West Seattle, Washington

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month : 02/2021 279 results

READER REPORT: Another West Seattle bridge that won’t reopen before 2022
February 24, 2021 3:59 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Doug Ollerenshaw sent us the photos and report after looking into a bridge situation in West Seattle that reminds him, though on a much-smaller scale, of the “other” bridge situation that’s now in its 12th month – a maintenance problem and closure that won’t be resolved before next year. Above is his 2020 photo of a bridge across Longfellow Creek, near Greg Davis Park, that he noticed last year was showing signs of deterioration. Last summer, he noticed it had been removed, without public notice. “I figured it was a short-term thing, but finally started trying to figure out what was going on (this week) after seeing no sign of work on a replacement.” This is how the spot looks now:

He was pointed to the Parks Department, and got this explanation:

The bridge was removed in late summer/early fall this past year by our heavy equipment crew … The bridge had previously been compromised structurally for several years and the cracked stringer finally broke completely and was in the creek. We are looking for funding so we can identify a replacement timeframe/schedule. At this point it is uncertain, but hopefully, in 2022.

We’ll be following up on the funding issue, but in the meantime, this is one for the “in case you wondered too” file.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Junction police response (updated); coffee-shop burglary
February 24, 2021 1:54 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes, from the same block though not related as far as we know:

POLICE RESPONSE: If you saw/heard the major police response to California/Oregon a short time ago, it’s because there was briefly a “help the officer” callout over police radio. We went over to find out why. Police were briefly struggling with a man in his 50s described as a “person in crisis.” No officers were hurt; an SFD unit was dispatched to check out the man’s report of shoulder pain from what was radioed in as “bursitis.” He was taken into custody.

6:16 PM: The initial police summary has more details, and says an officer was hurt after all:

Officers responded to a Hazard call near 4453 California AV SW for a high/Intoxicated or in Crisis male walking in the roadway yelling at passing vehicles. As officers were trying to detain the subject for an ITA the subject resisted. During the handcuffing, the subject dropped to his knees and deliberately trapped one of the officer?s left arm under his body. The subject then deliberately rolled on the officer?s left hand which the subject still had trapped between his body and the curb causing injury to the officer?s left hand. The officer was transported to Swedish First Hill to receive medical treatment for his injured hand. The subject was booked into KCJ for Investigation of Assault.

ITA refers to our state’s Involuntary Treatment Act.

COFFEE SHOP BURGLARY: Earlier, we went to Lula Coffee Company (just north of the aforementioned scene) to check out a reader tip that they had been broken into. Lula staff told us that someone had rmmoved the drive-thru window to get in and steal a register. The shop is open (until 7 pm weekdays) but only accepting cards/Apple Pay for now.

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LET’S GROW! HPAC talks gardening tonight; High Point recruiting volunteers for fruit-tree planting
February 24, 2021 1:25 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gardening | High Point | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Just three and a half weeks until spring. Two gardening/growing notes:

HPAC TALKS GARDENING/COMPOSTING TONIGHT: As previewed here, HPAC is focusing on gardening/composting during its 7 pm monthly meeting online tonight. Viewing/participation/call-in info is on the HPAC website.

HIGH POINT NEEDS FRUIT-TREE HELP: From community builder Ella McRae:

City Fruit is bringing more Fruit Trees to High Point in partnership with SHA/HOA/OSA and Neighborhood House. Are you interested in joining the High Point orchard planting? If yes, see the opportunities below:

We have two opportunities for volunteers to support!

1. The first opportunity will involve planting bare-root fruit trees. Bare-root trees are not stored in soil; instead, their roots are kept in damp wood chips or sawdust. The benefit of bare-root trees is that once planted, they establish themselves quickly and grow prolifically. However, the drawback is that these trees have to be planted earlier in the season. So, the planting of these trees will actually take place in early March — either Tuesday, March 2nd, or Tuesday March 9th.

2. The second opportunity falls on Earth Day, April 22nd. Although most of the trees for the orchard will be bare-root (and thus will be planted in early March), we will still have some volunteer opportunities related to installing signage and a few potted-tree plantings.

Interested? Contact Tiare, tiare@cityfruit.org, or email Ella @ Ella.McRae@seattlehousing.org.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools board hears about options for less spending on buses, and need for more state funding
February 24, 2021 11:21 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

After opposition greeted a suggestion to save up to three-quarters of a million dollars by cutting bus service to most “option schools” – including Louisa Boren STEM and Pathfinder K-8s in West Seattle – Seattle Public Schools is looking at other options too. The School Board spent almost two hours Tuesday hearing and talking about possible ways to save money on transportation; it was a “work session,” so no decisions were made. District staff said the underlying problem is that the state funding for school transportation falls short, so fixing that would mean cuts and changes wouldn’t be necessary, but that’s up to the Legislature and Governor.

(STARS is a state-funding formula.)

Each bus needed costs the district $102,000. Much of the transportation the district offers, it was noted, is not legally required; they could cut back on eligibility, but then they’d be getting less compensation. One possible way to save, district-wide: Group schools in three start-time “tiers” rather than the current two, meaning fewer buses would be needed; that could save $3 million to $5 million, staff believes. One board member said that wouldn’t be simple, recalling the difficulty of getting to the current two tiers. District staff also noted the possibility of unintended consequences – the current two-tier timing means more money has to be spent chartering buses for sports transportation.

Big changes would likely not be possible until the 2022-2023 school year, staff acknowledged, but for next year they could make some money-saving tweaks such as adjusting routes and walk zones, or offering more ORCA cards for older students to use Metro buses.

WHAT’S NEXT: School board members were asked to let staff know what they’re interested in pursuing; the topic will be brought back during a budget work session next week. West Seattle/South Park rep Leslie Harris asked Superintendent Denise Juneau if option-school principals’ request for a meeting with staff was being addressed; Juneau said she believed two members of her staff were “setting up some sort of meeting.” Meantime, though work sessions don’t have public-comment periods, you can comment via email – spsdirectors@seattleschools.org.

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OUTAGE: Comcast trouble? It’s not just you
February 24, 2021 10:37 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

10:37 AM: Thanks for the tips. Multiple people have messaged us about a Comcast outage in Arbor Heights; checking the outage map, both 98136 and 98146 are identified as having outages with “51 to 500” customers affected; there’s a smaller outage (50 or less) in 98106 too. We’re checking with the company to see if they can tell us more.

3:37 PM: A Comcast spokesperson says there are “no systemic issues.” But the outages are still showing on the map.

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THURSDAY: Rev. Harriett Walden @ West Seattle Democratic Women
February 24, 2021 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Rev. Harriett Walden @ West Seattle Democratic Women
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

RSVP today if you are interested in this event with the West Seattle Democratic Women tomorrow:

February 25th via Zoom:

The West Seattle Democratic Women are offering a rare opportunity to hear a presentation by Reverend Harriett Walden, founder of Mothers for Police Accountability, member of Seattle’s Community Police Commission, and a well-respected community leader for her compassionate approach to challenging issues. The presentation begins at 11:45; pre-meeting discussion and short business meeting start at 11 a.m. To join us, email maryfisher1@comcast.net by 5 p.m. Wednesday [today]. There will be time set aside for questions.

(Photo via seattle.gov.)

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WEATHER, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
February 24, 2021 6:16 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:16 AM: Good morning. Some sunshine in the forecast today.

ROAD WORK: Here’s the Delridge project plan 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: 338th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how things are looking on other bridges and routes:

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

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden – with a new left-turn signal for northbound HP Way, turning to westbound Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 2/23/2021 roundup
February 23, 2021 11:14 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

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
|    Comments Off on FUNDRAISERS: Eat pizza, help two West Seattle schools
 |   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
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   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
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   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
|    Comments Off on NOW: Pop-up COVID-19 testing in Delridge
 |   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
|    Comments Off on Here’s what’s ahead for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   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
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   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
|    Comments Off on WEATHER, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: February’s final Tuesday
 |   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:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden – with a new left-turn signal for northbound HP Way, turning to westbound Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: Monday 2/22/2021 roundup
February 22, 2021 10:25 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

School news tops tonight’s pandemic headlines:

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ START DATE DELAYED: No deal yet between the district and the Seattle Education Association, so the original March 1st restart date for some in-person education is now pushed back at least one week.

GOVERNOR TO VISIT SCHOOL: Gov. Inslee is pushing for more kids to get back into classrooms, and on Tuesday he’ll tour an elementary school in Spokane “to see how a return to class under COVID-19 restrictions is working for students and educators.”

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the key points of the daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health:

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

*1,345 people have died, unchanged since Friday

*5,082 people have been hospitalized, 10 more than yesterday’s total

*892,520 people have been tested, 4,179 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 80,303/1,321/5,001/877,501.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 111.7 million cases, 2,474,000+ deaths – and the U.S. has passed half a million. See the other stats – nation by nation – here.

VACCINATION SITUATION: No new local opportunities announced today/tonight; we checked the lookup sites, nothing open there either.

NEED FOOD? This week’s nearest Food Lifeline distribution is 2-5 pm Friday (February 26th) at 815 S. 96th.

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

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: 3 notes, high & low
February 22, 2021 8:48 pm
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

Tomorrow marks 11 months since the West Seattle Bridge closed. Tonight, 3 notes:

WHO’LL FIX IT? As SDOT‘s consultant WSP continues designing the repairs, and the process of hiring a contractor approaches, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold’s weekly newsletter has this note:

One aspect of the West Seattle Bridge project that hasn’t received a lot of attention is the potential use of a community workforce agreement, and use of geographic hiring preferences.

The City’s Department of Finance and Administration is pursuing an exemption from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to allow us to use a Community Workforce Agreement (CWA)/Priority Hire on the project. Early in the Trump administration, USDOT withdrew proposed rulemaking that would have allowed geographic hiring preferences. In light of termination of the pilot program, these type of issues require FHWA’s consultation with the USDOT Office of the Secretary and Office of General Counsel. SDOT says, “We will work in partnership with FAS, with Build America, NACTO, other allies, and our congressional delegation to ensure Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg has this issue near the top of his agenda.”

Here’s a city document explaining CWA/Priority Hire. As for the timeline, as of the February 11th West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meeting, SDOT expected to start seeking bids as soon as this week.

LOOKING WAY INTO THE FUTURE: Also from Herbold’s newsletter:

SDOT is continuing work on scoping for a study for replacing the bridge, which will eventually need to happen. They are coordinating with the Sound Transit Engineering Working Group to discuss Sound Transit’s assumed marine navigational clearance requirements as well as how to best align initial screening of alternatives with their DEIS release for the West Seattle to Ballard Link Extension project.

One potential wrinkle, though, is the Sound Transit “realignment” that could push back West Seattle light rail even further than the recently revised date of 2031. ST’s board is scheduled to look at some realignment scenarios when it meets this Thursday afternoon.

LOW-BRIDGE TICKETS: This is the fourth week that citations are being issued to low-bridge rulebreakers, seventh week since the cameras were turned on. In the first two weeks of $75 citations – February 1st through 15th – Seattle Police tell WSB they’ve sent 3,277 citations from the camera photographing vehicles headed eastbound, 4,099 from the camera photographing the westbound direction. If all of those resulted in $75 payments, that’s more than half a million dollars. However, the money doesn’t all go to the city. It contracts with Verra Mobility – formerly American Traffic Solutions – to run the cameras, and a cut goes to the state, as explained in our coverage last year pf the ordinance authorizing the cameras:

After paying for administrative costs, half of the remaining funds are to be remitted to the state’s Cooper Jones active transportation safety account, which the state uses to fund grant projects or programs for bicycle, pedestrian, and non-motorist safety improvements. The remaining half of the funds may only be used for transportation improvements that support equitable access and mobility for persons with disabilities.

If you need a refresher on the current rules, go here.

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WESTSIDE AWARDS 2021: Nomination time, for ‘stories of hope and perseverance’
February 22, 2021 6:35 pm
|    Comments Off on WESTSIDE AWARDS 2021: Nomination time, for ‘stories of hope and perseverance’
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle online

This year’s Westside Awards, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce after collecting nominations from the community, have a special focus. Here’s the announcement:

Every year in the Spring, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce gathers to celebrate four categories of businesses, individuals and non-profits that have made notable contributions to the West Seattle business community.

This Spring, the Chamber recognizes that 2020 was an incredibly difficult time for businesses and individuals alike. For that reason, we are changing our annual Westside Awards business-nomination process to honor stories of hope and perseverance in 2020!

At a time when individuals may not have the job, home, or food security they deserve, and when businesses have been forced – through legislation or circumstance – to close doors, there are uplifting stories of those who soldiered on, to help others and to help support their West Seattle community.

Businesses and individuals are thinking outside the box, tightening their belts, and acknowledging that now is not the time for “business as usual.” These businesses and individuals deserve our recognition.

If you know of a business, non-profit, or individual that deserves recognition for personal or business actions taken in 2020, please let us know by filling out a nomination form. Click this link to take you to the form site.

Here’s who won last year.

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CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab business burglary; armed-harassment suspect arrested
February 22, 2021 4:36 pm
|    Comments Off on CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab business burglary; armed-harassment suspect arrested
 |   Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news | White Center

Two Crime Watch reports today:

BUSINESS BURGLARY, VIA CAR: Also published on our partner site White Center Now:

That security video shows a burglar inside Grocery Plus at 16th/98th on Saturday night around 10:30 pm – a burglar who got in by crashing a car into the doors:

A member of the store owners’ family provided the video and photos, saying the burglar(s) “drove a mid-sized car/suv in a dark forest green color that police found was stolen into the front doors of the shop. Witnesses across the street have live footage they shared with the police, and the store also has a few surveillance videos that show the suspect rummaging through cigarettes and scratch tickets.” One of those clips is above; here’s a screengrab:

A plate from the car was left behind, and deputies told the victims it was stolen. If you have any information, report it to KCSO, and refer to case # C21005703.

HARASSMENT ARREST: A Highland Park case was spotlighted today on SPD Blotter:

An alert officer spotted a suspect from a harassment call involving a gun days later outside the location of the original altercation.

Police were originally called to the 8800 block of 9 Avenue SW on February 13th for a report of a man who had entered the business and threatened a clerk with a firearm. Witnesses said the man left the scene in a green Honda Pilot SUV. Officers searched the area but were unable to find the suspect or the vehicle.

On February 19th an officer on patrol in the same area spotted the suspect’s vehicle parked nearby and even recognized the man based on a tattoo over the suspect’s eye that was visible on surveillance video. The officer quickly moved in and arrested the 30-year-old suspect and recovered a firearm. The suspect is a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. Police booked the man into King County Jail for investigation of harassment as well as unlawful possession of a firearm.

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When will thousands of students return to Seattle Public Schools? No sooner than March 8, district says
February 22, 2021 1:45 pm
|      63 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Seattle Public Schools promised an update today on the status of returning thousands of students to in-person learning next month. Here’s the promised update:

On December 17, the SPS School Board directed staff to begin implementing plans for a phased increase of in-person instruction for students enrolled in Special Education Intensive Service Pathways beginning second semester and no later than March 1 and for preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade students on March 1.

Central office staff have been preparing for many months. Health and safety protocols have been implemented, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is in place, and the district has prepared for student transportation and meals.

An increase of in-person instruction also requires we negotiate new working conditions with Seattle Education Association. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have an agreement with SEA. To begin phasing in students on March 1, we needed an agreement by Monday, February 22. Without an agreement, the in-person return date has been delayed until at least March 8.

Staff continue to prioritize the phased return of students in Special Education Intensive Service Pathways first, followed by students in PreK-1 grade.

A special Board Meeting will be held on February 25 from 4-5:30 p.m. to discuss next steps and take action on the OSPI required Washington School’s 2020-21 Reopening Progress Report Template. Families and staff are encouraged to watch or listen to the board work session. (See the agenda here.) The meeting will be broadcast on television or can be viewed on the SPS TV YouTube channel. To listen by phone, dial 206-800-4125 and use Conference ID 931 417 102#.

District staff are committed to continuing negotiations in good faith. SPS has requested mediation support from the Public Employment Relations Commission to help facilitate a timely resolution. PERC is impartial and will help the district and the union explore solutions that lead to a mutual agreement. At this time, Seattle Education Association has declined mediation services.

You can review the most current bargaining update, the district’s proposal to SEA, including a racial equity analysis, on the Bargaining webpage.

The union’s updates, meantime, are here. More recent than those posts is this video update from bargaining-team members. (added) SEA also has just responded to the SPS statement with a Twitter thread, saying in part, “The District’s inability to implement needed health and safety protocols is delaying return to in-person learning.”

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