day : 04/03/2021 12 results

The vaccination situation tops pandemic headlines again tonight:

ELIGIBILITY-EXPANSION PLAN: Provided enough vaccine is available, Gov. Inslee laid out more eligibility additions, starting March 22nd, continuing April 12th and April 26th. The plan – described as “tentative” – is detailed briefly here, in more detail here. Inslee said he’s hopeful those are achievable goals, because the pace of vaccinations keeps speeding up – averaging almost 44,000 a day statewide, with two 60,000+ days in the past week – and the supply is projected to increase too.

BACK TO SCHOOL? Though the state’s biggest district, Seattle Public Schools, is in a standoff with its teachers, the governor opened and closed his briefing by saying it’s imperative that students get back in the classroom, after a year away. He insisted it can be, and is being, done safely. Asked specifically about the SPS disagreement, Inslee said he’s talked to both sides. While not specifically saying he was talking about Seattle, he expressed frustration at what he called “excuses” for not getting back to in-person learning. Next week marks one year since he ordered schools to close.

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

*82,716 people have tested positive, 209 more than yesterday’s total

*1,411 people have died, 7 more than yesterday’s total

*5,113 people have been hospitalized, 4 more than yesterday’s total

*912,028 people have been tested, 1,657 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the four totals we track were 81,786/1,373/5,088/899,466.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 115.6 million cases worldwide, 28.8 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.

IF YOU’RE STILL SEEKING VACCINE … If you’re 65+, check to see if that city clinic has any Friday spaces left … We learned from Seattle-King County Public Health reps at tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting that the VA is offering vaccinations to any enrolled veteran, no matter their age; call 206-716-5716 … Your neighbors continue recommending covidwa.com – which is also now tweeting new openings at @covidwashington – as well as Sea Mar‘s walk-in clinics

NEED FOOD? All welcome at the weekly distribution of food boxes 2-5 pm tomorrow at Food Lifeline (815 S. 96th).

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

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Skyline in the sand

March 4, 2021 9:18 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Keri for the photo, taken Wednesday evening: “Out rollerblading with my 13-year-old and was so lucky to see this at the viewpoint on Alki Ave. Had I not been on rollerblades, I would have climbed down to try to include the living city with the sand drawing. Love the fleeting works of art in our community. Bravo to the artist.” (If you’re reading on desktop/laptop, click the pic for a larger view.)

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CONGRATULATIONS! Statewide award for West Seattleite Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales

March 4, 2021 6:23 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | Whales | Wildlife

Along with direct action to save endangered orcas, education is key. A West Seattle resident who specializes in that – as well as research – has just been honored with a statewide award. Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales has received the Outreach Award from the Washington chapter of The Wildlife Society. From the organization’s announcement, prepared for an upcoming edition of its newsletter:

Since 2000, Jeff Hogan has dedicated himself to Killer Whale Tales. Jeff had an idea that would pull together his Orca research experience with theatrical storytelling, science, and childhood education. His decision to put everything on the line to start a nonprofit is indicative of just how committed he is to ensure that the next generation understands the way consumer behaviors impact the environment, and also that science is cool!

For the first 10 years of the program’s existence, Jeff ran the program, creating and updating the program materials, delivering the program, fundraising, analyzing data, accounting, marketing, and scheduling almost entirely by himself. More recently, as the program has evolved to include more-robust data reporting and communications, Jeff has been able to rely on board members to help with some of the back-end functions, but the program materials, delivery, relationship building with teachers / researchers / major funders / other similar organizations still falls mainly on Jeff’s shoulders.

He has brought engaging environmental education to 125,000 elementary school students throughout the West Coast and Canada, and over 60,000 students have completed and returned “Kids Making a Difference Now” conservation worksheets, meaning they have taken action at home to reduce their family’s environmental footprint and help the whales. Jeff has continuously been the driving force in this nonprofit and has sacrificed personally to keep it going.

Jeff has some kind of a magical presence that inspires everyone he meets to take interest in the Southern Resident killer whales, science, and/or the environment. It is truly a remarkable talent that very few others possess. Killer Whale Tales have now converted over to online learning due to the pandemic and as odd as it may sound, it has opened up a whole new set of opportunities. Jeff is now working with children and families across the globe – from India, to the UK, and up and down the eastern seaboard of the U.S., he has “pods” of young future scientists sprouting up all across the planet!

Jeff also is a researcher. He co-authored recently published research showing that vessel noise interrupts Southern Resident Killer Whales’ feeding, especially females. Vessel noise is a major focus for advocates trying to increase the chances of saving the endangered orcas from extinction.

P.S. Killer Whale Tales is a nonprofit; here’s how to support its work.

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BIZNOTE: 2 days to Ross Dress for Less grand opening at Westwood Village

March 4, 2021 5:03 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

5:03 PM: Back in January, Ross Dress for Less told us the company’s new Westwood Village store was expected to open March 6th. With that date just two days away, we checked back – Saturday is indeed the planned “grand opening” day; Ross is also opening stores in Florida, Missouri, and Texas that day. The Westwood Village store hours will be 8 am-11 pm Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays; 9 am-11 pm Saturdays; closed Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. More than a year and a half has passed since we first reported on Ross’s plan to move into the ex-Barnes & Noble space at the center.

7:47 PM: As pointed out in comments, since we published this story, Ross has updated the linked page to say the store will be open on Wednesdays too, 8 am-11 pm, so closed only Thursdays and Fridays.

ADDED EARLY SATURDAY: Checking their website again, now the store is listed as being open every day but Friday.

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VACCINATION: Tentative dates set for expanding eligibility

March 4, 2021 3:15 pm

| 30 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

3:15 PM: Governor Inslee has just announced tentative dates for expanding COVID-19 vaccination eligibility in our state. They’re tentative, he said, because it depends on vaccine supply meeting (or beating) current projections. They include (but are not limited to):

*March 22nd – second tier of Phase 1B, also to include “critical” workers including grocery, farm, food processing, public transit, law enforcement, firefighters

*April 12th – ages 50+ with two or more co-morbidities

*April 26th – ages 16+ with (CORRECTED) two or more co-morbidities

More details to come – we’ll link and update as soon as it’s available in writing. The governor also spent part of his briefing (update: archived video will be here soon) urging that schools get back to in-person learning, insisting that it can be done safely; we’ll have a separate update on the Seattle Public Schools situation later.

ADDED 4:08 PM: Here’s the governor’s graphic with the key points we noted above:

ADDED 6:03 PM: Here’s the state document with full details about current and future (tentative) expansion.

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LIBRARIES: One more nearby branch adds curbside service

March 4, 2021 1:57 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle news

For some southeastern West Seattle residents, the nearest Seattle Public Library branch is in South Park (8604 8th Ave. S.), so we’re sharing the news that it’s the latest branch to add curbside service. Starting this weekend, the South Park Branch will offer it, noon-6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. That means you can pick up items you’ve put on hold, if this is set as your “home branch,” and you can use SPL’s curbside-printing service for up to 10 black-and-white pages a day. The branch’s book drop is open daily. The area branches that already offer curbside service are Southwest (9010 35th SW) and High Point (3411 SW Raymond); days and hours are listed here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Legacy

March 4, 2021 12:01 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Another stolen-vehicle report today, this time from Trish:

My silver ’94 Subaru Legacy was stolen from the street right in front of my house yesterday (while I was home working!) between the hours of 6 am and 3:30 pm (when I noticed it was gone).

The plate is #BON4428 and it was stolen from 15th Ave SW in-between SW Barton St and SW Henderson St. There is an Electrician Union sticker in the bottom right corner of the rear window.

Police report number: 21-052873. Call 911 if you see it.

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BIZNOTE: Best of Hands Barrelhouse celebrates 2 years with 3 beers

March 4, 2021 11:14 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB file photo)

Best of Hands Barrelhouse (7500 35th SW) is about to turn 2 years old, and its anniversary celebration is on! Here’s the announcement we received:

In lieu of the big party we expected to have, we’re kicking off our second anniversary with a week *or more* of new beers and returning favorites from the cellar!

We’ll be releasing three new beers for the occasion:

DRAFT | Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary Vol. II- Spelt IPA W/ Galaxy Hops & Pink Guava

NEIPA with 20% spelt in the grist, heavily dry-hopped with Galaxy, & fermented on pink guava fruit. The Galaxy and guava meld wonderfully for notes of passionfruit, peach and pear on the nose. The round, pillowy body offers tropical flavors of papaya & grapefruit. Finishes off-dry with a firm citrus pith bitterness.

DRAFT & 750ml BOTTLES | Prunus Avium- 2nd Anniversary Oak Aged Sour Ale W/ Cherry

A blend of 14 month Cabernet Sauvignon BBL aged sour ale & new American oak aged foeder beer finished on 320lbs of whole Dark, & Rainier cherries. Beautiful burgundy color with complex funk and deep cherry notes dominating the nose. A light and spritzy body with layers of dark & Rainier cherries revealing themselves throughout the sip. Flavors of cherry noyaux enter mid-palate with hints of citrus and white wine supporting. Firm acidity on the finish with notes of oak tannins, cherry skins, and grape must.

DRAFT, NO TO-GO | Borne Back Ceaselessly- Copperworks Distilling & Tasting Room Gin BBL Aged Sour Pale

Straight 8 month Copperworks gin BBL aged sour pale. Gin botanicals, oak tannin, and berry jam on the nose. Flavors of juniper berries, citrus peel, and grape skins with a white wine-like minerality. Woody oak tannin dries the palate with a lime-like acidity on the mellow sour finish.

Care to see what else has been tapped? Check out our current tap list on our website: bestofhandsbarrelhouse.com

Best of Hands has outdoor and indoor seating, and visiting food trucks on the weekends (next weekend – Tat’s on Saturday, NWTXBBQ on Sunday). Check the website for hours.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle-rescued Bald Eagle getting healthier

March 4, 2021 8:59 am

| 28 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(February 25 photo by Kersti Muul)

Good news about the ailing Bald Eagle rescued at Don Armeni Boat Ramp one week ago today. We checked back with PAWS Wildlife Center, where she’s being cared for – here’s what PAWS wildlife veterinarians Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen and Dr. Bethany Groves report:

Her veterinary re-check found a significant improvement in her anemia. This means she is starting to regenerate red blood cells, crucial for continued improvement along with many other factors which determine if an animal can recover from injury or illness. She is strong and eating well and the plan is to allow her another week to recover before moving her to our larger flight pen to assess her flight and then allow time to recondition before her hopeful release.

She had been on the ground, listless, for some time on the lawn at the park before local wildlife advocates/experts and state/local officers teamed for the rescue. Those advocates included Kersti Muul, who reported here that this Eagle is a mated West Seattle resident known as “Bey.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Jetta

March 4, 2021 7:14 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

From Tina:

I noticed my car was stolen this morning at 5:50 am. I last saw it at 6 pm last night.

It’s a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS. Dark blue. Stick shift. Plate # APV8292. It’s the only car I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it for 20 years. I live in S. Delridge, next to the Police Station. It looks similar to this. Looks darker in cloudy weather. Looks similar even w/ door striping removed. Rear right light is busted; it’s a round crack.

Police report is 21-053409. Call 911 if you see it.

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UPDATE: After 10 months away, USS Nimitz on last leg of trip home

March 4, 2021 6:37 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(April 2020 photo by Don Brubeck)

6:37 AM: When USS Nimitz (CVN 68) last passed West Seattle, in April 2020, the aircraft carrier was headed out for training followed immediately by deployment. Later today, Nimitz and crew will pass by again, this time on their way home to Bremerton. The MarineTraffic.com tracker shows the carrier entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca around 3 am, and right now it’s about to pass Port Angeles, so it’s still hours away, but some local would-be shipwatchers asked for a heads-up, so here you go. The Nimitz stopped in San Diego last weekend before the final leg of the journey home.

6:48 AM: Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun points out that the Nimitz is expected to stop at Indian Island</a> [map] before continuing on to Bremerton.

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WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday watch

March 4, 2021 5:44 am

| Comments Off on WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday watch

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:44 AM: Good morning! Rain is on the way again.

ROAD WORK

1st Avenue South Bridge – Friday night brings the start of the southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge work, with that side of the bridge closing 9 pm to 6 am Friday into Saturday and Saturday into Sunday. The West Seattle low bridge will extend its all-access hours until 6 am for both of those closures.

Delridge project – Here’s the list of this week’s work zones. …

TRANSIT

Metro and the Water Taxi are on regular schedules.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

346th 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: