day : 02/03/2021 11 results

Vaccination news tops tonight’s pandemic headlines:

ELIGIBILITY EXPANDS: President Biden proclaimed that educators and licensed child-care workers should be eligible for vaccination now, and Gov. Inslee subsequently announced that now they are. He also said he’ll announce “soon” when “critical” workers – from grocery stores, farms, more – will be eligible.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SUPPLY? The president also said today that there should be enough vaccine for all adults in the U.S. by the end of May – though that doesn’t mean all those shots will, or can, be administered by then. Our state, county, and city continue to contend that they have far more shot-giving capacity than vaccine, and they could be inoculating many more people every day if only the vaccine were available.

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

*82,363 people have tested positive, 60 more than yesterday’s total

*1,399 people have died, 6 more than yesterday’s total

*5,120 people have been hospitalized, 17 more than yesterday’s total

*910,070 people have been tested, 2,713 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 81,379/1,357/5,083/895,001.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 114.7 million cases worldwide, 28.7 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.

GETTING AN APPOINTMENT: Back to the topic of vaccination – if you’re eligible, here are some places to look:
*Your health-care provider (particularly bigger ones like UW Medicine, CHI Franciscan, Swedish, etc.)
*Pharmacy chains big and small – Safeway, Rite Aid, QFC, Pharmaca, Costco
*covidwa.com (volunteer-run aggregator)

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Attempted burglary, harassment arrests; 3 car break-ins

March 2, 2021 8:56 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two police reports and three reader reports tonight in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY: The first-draft police-report summary says this happened just after 6 pm in the 6400 block of 29th SW. The victim said two people had kicked in his door but fled when he confronted him. Officers found and detained two teenage boys. The investigation, says the report, revealed that “it appeared that they had been casing the residence, attempted the doorknob earlier in the day, and at the time of this call worked up the courage to try to force entry. They did not make entry and/or steal anything,” nor was the door damaged. The Youth Services Center declined to book them, police say, so they were released to their families.

HARASSMENT ARREST: Details on this are few but the report says it happened just before 1 pm: “Officers responded to multiple calls of a male in possible crisis near 4500 block of 53rd Ave SW. Officers responded and developed probable cause to arrest the suspect for felony harassment. The suspect was located in the 4800 block of Beach Drive on private property. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody without incident and booked into jail.”

Also tonight: three reader reports about car prowls:

GATEWOOD BREAK-IN: Nic says it happened in a matter of minutes:

My husband’s windows on his truck were smashed at about 8 AM on Ida street between 35th and 37th. He had brought out his work backpack and items for our kids’ preschool before putting the kids in the car. He locked the door after he put the backpack in before he went to get the kids and when he came back out, the windows were smashed and his backpack was taken that had his wallet in it. The thieves already went to Fred Meyer and tried to buy $400 worth of items.

NORTH ADMIRAL BREAK-IN: From JW:

A couple nights ago we had 2 pairs of cross-country skis with 3-pin bindings & a pair of men’s black leather ski boots stolen from inside the car along with the vehicle registration, in the North Admiral area.

FAUNTLEROY CAR PROWLS: From John:

My neighbors and I noticed on our video cameras that this car went by at 2:45 Sunday morning; one person got out and was looking through cars.

They managed to break into one car using a key fob device.

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SCHOOLS: Seattle Lutheran HS adds another day of in-person learning

March 2, 2021 6:39 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Many West Seattle independent and parochial schools have offered hybrid programs this year, as we reported last fall – some in-person learning, some online. One of them, Seattle Lutheran High School, has just announced it’s adding a fourth day of in-person learning starting this week.

The Seattle Lutheran High School Board of Directors is pleased to announce the approval of a fourth day of in-building learning for all students in grades 9-12 beginning the week of March 1, 2021. Students will now attend classes in the building Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with Wednesday being fully remote and the last Wednesday of each month being an asynchronous workday.

“The Seattle Lutheran Board and I are excited about moving to four days a week of in-building classes. Our protocols have worked flawlessly and with the continued infection rate reductions, we are confident this is the right move for our students,” commented Tim Morgan, Interim Executive Director of Seattle Lutheran High School.

In the fall, students had the option of attending classes remotely or in-person. Safety protocols have been strictly enforced on campus with students and staff screened every morning before entering the building, including temperature checks and required mask wearing. When asked what she thought of the additional day of in-building learning, ASB SLHS President Melina Menashe replied, “I really enjoy going to school every day to be with my best friends, as well as asking teachers questions and receiving answers in person so you can get more than just a visual experience.”

Senior Emma Freeman added that she feels “adding Friday to the list of in-person days will help increase engagement in whatever classes in-person students have for that day. I know for me personally it is sometimes easier to slide off on Zoom on a Friday afternoon, but being in the building helps keep me on track.”

Seattle Lutheran High School is still accepting applications for Fall 2021, and more information can be found here or contact the Admissions Director Sally Heit at 206-937-7722, or visit www.seattlelutheran.org.

The SLHS campus is at 4100 SW Genesee, just north of The Junction. We asked if they’ve had any COVID cases; the response, “SLHS has had only one positive Covid-19 case but it was not contracted at the school nor transmitted within the school community.”

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VACCINATION: Educators, child-care workers now eligible, as Gov. Inslee goes with new federal directive

March 2, 2021 4:43 pm

| 39 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Just in from the governor’s office:

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today following President Joe Biden’s directive that all states must prioritize vaccinations of teachers and childcare workers.

“Like President Biden, I am grateful for the hard work and sacrifice of educators every day, and especially during this pandemic. The president has directed us to add preK-12 educators, school staff and licensed child-care workers to our current vaccine prioritization. This directive will be carried out through existing providers and the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, which operates through national pharmacies and independent pharmacy chains.

“Therefore, we are adding educators and licensed child-care workers to Washington’s Phase 1B-1 immediately. The Washington State Department of Health will have more specific information soon on how those workers can access vaccines. Phase Finder may take time to reflect these changes, but educators and licensed child-care workers can schedule with providers right away.

“The good news is that schools will be able to open and we are pleased that teachers will be back in the classroom very soon. This should give educators more confidence to return to in-person learning and that it can be done with the safety protocols that are being used by 1,400 other schools in our state right now.

“We will continue the current state plans and goals to focus on those most at risk, including older adults and those facing the greatest equity gaps.

“To that end, I will soon be announcing when our state vaccine prioritization will be moving to include critical workers in certain congregate settings including those who work in grocery stores, farmworkers, food processors, bus drivers, corrections workers and others.

“We will continue our progress in getting every Washingtonian vaccinated. I am grateful for the partnership of the federal government and their efforts to help move educators up in the prioritization.”

If this means you’ll be looking for vaccine for the first time: Places to look for appointments, as we’ve continued reporting in our daily pandemic coverage, include covidwa.com, as well as multiple-location providers such as Sea Mar clinics and Safeway, Rite Aid, and QFC pharmacies.

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More Longfellow Creek bridge trouble

March 2, 2021 3:27 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

Last week we published this report about a Longfellow Creek footbridge that was removed and won’t be replaced before next year. Today, word that another bridge across the creek is out for a while – the “Fishbone Bridge” that crosses the creek south of Dragonfly Pavilion at 28th/Dakota. Seattle Parks says the bridge is “temporarily closed while Seattle Public Utilities works on repairing and replacing portions of the bridge deck.” The closure is expected to continue through the end of the month. P.S. The bridge’s official name is Salmon Bone Bridge; it was designed by artist Lorna Jordan.

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READER REPORT: Looking for dog that bit a child

March 2, 2021 2:12 pm

| 22 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news

Nicole is hoping you can help find a dog that bit a 5-year-old girl in North Delridge. She reports it happened around 3:15 Monday afternoon near the Shell gas station north of Delridge/Findlay, as the child was walking with her mom:

The dog’s owner didn’t have it on leash and it ran straight for the little girl. She fled toward the gas pumps to try to escape but it caught up with her and bit her on the face and ear. The owner retrieved the dog and took off. The little girl had wounds serious enough to require a hospital trip. Per animal control, the dog and owner have not been located. The dog was described as “maybe a large black Labrador type.” No official description of the owner. If a neighbor thinks they know the location of the dog’s owner, they should contact animal control at 206-386-7387.

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YOU CAN HELP: DNDA invites you to ‘Destination Delridge’

March 2, 2021 12:37 pm

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: DNDA invites you to ‘Destination Delridge’

| Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news

Local nonprofits have been called on to help sustain the community more than ever this past pandemic year – but they’ve also had to fight for funding, without in-person galas, with many routine donors struggling. But they’re coming up with creative ways to keep going. The Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association has launched its major spring fundraiser by counting down to its online “Destination Delridge: Live from the Heart” event at 7 pm March 13th. Everyone who donates in the days leading up to the event will get a ticket to the event. DNDA hopes to raise $90,000 to sustain the art, nature, and neighborhood programs it continues to present. You can donate and/or buy a ticket (with a dinner option!) by going here.

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Harold’s Fitness: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

March 2, 2021 11:02 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Need somebody to inspire and guide you on your quest to be more fit and healthy? Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Harold’s Fitness. Here’s what Harold wants you to know about what he offers:

Harold says his major advantage is his experience. His several decades of owning and operating gyms has given him a great deal of knowledge about what’s right for each person who comes to his gym in West Seattle. From the very start, he interviews each new client, asks them what their goals are, and starts an organized plan to help them get to where they want to be. Working with smaller groups, Harold says he’s better able to give each of his clients far more attention than they’d receive at one of the larger gyms. Harold says you’ll never get lost in the shuffle – someone will listen closely.

You’re never too old to work out with Harold – even his merch says so:

Women’s sessions are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; men’s sessions are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Harold’s Fitness is at 5908 California SW, between The Junction and Morgan Junction.

Call 206-937-7733 to find out about working out at Harold’s Fitness.

We thank Harold’s Fitness 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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Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Tuesday

March 2, 2021 9:49 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jim Borrow)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, mailbox, and coverage previews:

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY BOOK FAIR: Shop at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) through Sunday, mention Lafayette Elementary at checkout, and the PTA gets part of the proceeds. Open 11 am-6 pm today.

TERMINAL 5 UPDATE: The West Seattle project is on the agenda for today’s Northwest Seaport Alliance managing members’ meeting, 11:30 am online. The agenda has information on listening/commenting; to view the meeting stream, go here.

DEMONSTRATION: 4-6 pm, Scott leads the twice-weekly demonstration for Black lives on the corners at 16th/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.

DICK’S BURGERS, LOCAL FRIES: While the Dick’s Drive-Ins truck visits Admiral Pub 4-7 pm, you’re welcome to buy fries (and other food/drink!) while sitting in across-the-street businesses Mission Cantina (WSB sponsor) and Arthur’s. You are welcome to sit inside Admiral Pub, too. All three food/drink establishments are in the 2300 block of California SW.

WEST SEATTLE SOCCER CLUB REGISTRATION: In case you missed the weekend announcement, it’s now open!

(Photo by Marc Milrod)

TONIGHT’S SUNSET: 5:56 pm.

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Remembering John E. Kelly, 1921-2021

March 2, 2021 8:59 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering John E. Kelly and sharing this with his community:

John Edward Kelly
1921-2021

John E. Kelly set sail peacefully on a Heaven-bound adventure February 20, 2021, age 99. He was born June 7, 1921 to John and Eileen Kelly in their West Seattle home.

Growing up, he enjoyed many hours on the beaches and waters of Puget Sound. He joined the Sea Scouts as a youth, expanding his skills in sailing and vessel operations.

He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1939, then trained in boat building. He joined the Army in 1943, serving aboard the Hains, an Army Corps of Engineers ship, in the Pacific Theater. His early maritime experience served him well.

After WW II, he married Elizabeth Hamilton, with whom he raised four children and built their first house. He studied at the University of Washington and moved into professional life as a naval architect/marine engineer, retiring after 33 years at MARCO Seattle Shipyard. After Elizabeth’s death he married Jackie Carey, who joined him in a busy retirement, traveling and staying involved with family and many community interests.

Those interests included active membership in the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society, Southwest Seattle Historical Society, West Seattle Lions Club, local museums, and Sea Scouts, where he volunteered with the SSS Yankee Clipper and area scouting for more than 80 years. His passion for history also included family genealogy, and in his last years, he enjoyed organizing material on the Kenney Home where he lived.

He was a member of West Side Presbyterian Church for 75 years and lived out his Christian faith through thousands of small choices that added up to a life highly respected by family and friends. His children lovingly remember him as a moral, giving, and gentle man who they never heard say a harsh word or speak ill of anyone.

He is survived by his children Gaile Walsh (Jim), Bob, and Tim (Janis); grandchildren Candace, Tara, Sean, Ryan, Stephen, and Victoria; two great-grandchildren; his brother David (Jeanne); 11 nieces and nephews; and extended family. He was preceded in death by wife Elizabeth, son Bill, and wife Jackie.

Memorial donations are suggested to The Kenney Foundation Resident Care Fund or any of the organizations he enjoyed so much.

Share memories of John with his family on the Tribute Page at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/John-Kelly.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of 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, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: March’s first Tuesday

March 2, 2021 6:07 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! Cloudy forecast again today, a little cooler than Monday.

ROAD WORK: Delridge project – here’s this week’s plan. … Sylvan Way will NOT have more lane closures today – crews will return March 18th. … This Friday brings the start of the southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge work.

TRANSIT: Metro and the Water Taxi are on regular schedules. (The latter, as announced Monday, WILL have a 7-day-a-week schedule this spring/summer, unlike last year.)

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES: 344th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

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