month : 04/2021 324 results

8:19 PM: Avoid SW Holden west of Delridge for a while – a crash response is blocking the road in that area, and police are calling SDOT for cleanup as well as help dealing with traffic.

8:36 PM: That truck and accompanying debris are part of the scene, as is this vehicle:

Police say no one was hurt. They’re trying to determine which driver was at fault, and waiting for tow trucks.

10:11 PM: Commenters confirm the road has reopened.

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YOU CAN HELP: Alki UCC food/clothes donation drive Sunday

| How to help | West Seattle news

If you can give, your next opportunity is Sunday, as announced by Alki UCC:

Alki UCC Food/Men’s Casual Clothes Drive and Call for Socks
Sunday, April 18, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Outside our main entrance at 6115 SW Hinds

While ALL nonperishable food donations are welcome for distribution through the White Center Food Bank, a food bank volunteer shared the following insights:

Sugar and Flour are treats.

Boxed milk is a treasure.

Canned foods should be pop-top OR donate a can opener.

Cooking oil is a luxury and much appreciated.

Spices, salt and pepper are a real gift.

Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.

Don’t forget the sandwich bread and jelly for PBB&J’s.

Pet food should be in clearly-marked containers.

Essential supplies include:

• Toilet Paper

• Diapers/Similac Formula/Baby Wipes

• Can Openers

• Personal hygiene items

• Hand Sanitizer

Donations of Men’s Casual/Work Clothes are also being taken, as well as NEW socks — the clothing item most requested by our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUPS: Car-attack charges; security-camera photos of Rite Aid robber

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two followups in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR-ATTACK DRIVER CHARGED: The man arrested Monday and accused of deliberately running over his girlfriend at 24th/Holden is now charged, and his bail has been tripled. 25-year-old Eric J. Frank Jr. is charged with three felonies – first-degree domestic-violence assault, second-degree domestic-violence assault, and domestic-violence vehicular assault. The latter charge incorporates his alleged intoxication at the time – .16 blood alcohol, twice the legal level for DUI, according to court documents. The charges also accuse Frank of using the car as a potentially deadly weapon. The charging papers say the 26-year-old victim is in the ICU and has already endured multiple surgeries. Bail for Frank, an Alki resident who had been arrested once before for threatening the victim, is now at $250,000.

ROBBER PHOTOS: Police have provided security-camera photos of the person who held up the Rite Aid pharmacy at Westwood Village on Wednesday:

Police say witnesses described him as “Black, slim build, wearing a white hoody with black writing on the chest, a blue bandana mask, black jeans with white lettering ‘TC’ on back, red sneakers, and carrying a red and blue quilted hand-bag.” If you have any information that might help detectives, call 206-262-2526 or email david.simmons@seattle.gov.

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REMINDER: Free shredding in West Seattle at Daystar Retirement Village on Saturday

April 15, 2021 3:43 pm

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| West Seattle news | Westwood

Another reminder for this Saturday (April 17th), if you missed the original announcement and haven’t seen the listing in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – you can bring up to three boxes of paper to Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) for free shredding with Shred-it, 10 am-1 pm. It’s a drive-up/walk-up event, masks required.

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UPDATE: Crash at 35th/Ida

April 15, 2021 3:07 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:07 PM: SFD and SPD are on scene of a crash at 35th/Ida. Avoid the area for a while.

3:23 PM: Just went over to check the scene – and it’s already cleared.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Delridge/Orchard intersection work about to begin

April 15, 2021 1:42 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:42 PM: The Delridge Way repaving/utilities/more project has sent its weekly update a day early because major work is about to start at Delridge/Orchard – where crews will be demolishing and rebuilding the intersection a quadrant at a time. Here’s the announcement;

The upgrades at SW Orchard St are planned to start as early as tomorrow (Friday, April 16 at 7 AM). Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on both Delridge Way SW and SW Orchard St. The intersection will be divided into four quadrants: SW, SE, NE, and NW. We will upgrade those quadrants one at a time. We phased our work to allow people traveling through this area to continue having access to West Seattle during this time through maintaining one lane of travel in all directions. A uniformed police officer will be on-site to help navigate traffic.

Look at the second page of this design rendering to see what the intersection plan is, once it’s done.

Meantime – the full update for the week ahead, covering all three project zones, is here.

4:06 PM: We asked how long the Delridge/Orchard work is expected to last. Answer: 4 to 5 weeks.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Here’s who won the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Westside Awards

April 15, 2021 11:42 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

When the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce asked for nominations for this year’s Westside Awards – with a special focus on “hope and perseverance” during the pandemic – they received 86 nominations. They’ve just announced the winners chosen by the organization’s board:

Westside Business of the Year – Alair Gift Shop

Westside Emerging Business of the Year – Outer Space Seattle

Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year – West Seattle Eagles Aerie #2463

Westsider of the Year – Janice Young (of Young’s Restaurant)

(Alair is a repeat honoree, chosen Emerging Business of the Year in 2018.) The award recipients will be honored at an online event May 18th.

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Alki Community Council, West Seattle Timebank, and what else is ahead for your West Seattle Thursday

April 15, 2021 10:39 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday photo by Bob Burns – The Brothers and M/V Chimacum seen from Weather Watch Park)

A few notes before we get further into the day:

NO, IT’S NOT TAX DAY: In case you lost track – this year’s IRS deadline was moved to May 17th.

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: Last call! Two Rotary Club of West Seattle college-scholarship applications are due today – details here.

LEARN TO BUILD A RESUME: Seattle Public Library and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) are among the presenters of this free 3 pm online workshop. Our calendar listing includes registration information.

DEMONSTRATION: From organizer Scott:

Black Lives Matter sign-waving

Thursday, April 15, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden

Come build awareness & stimulate actions to 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 Puget Ridge Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: 6:30 pm online, celebrate Earth Day by learning from two community groups’ success. Email westseattletimebank@gmail.com to get the link for attending. More info in our calendar listing.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Third Thursday means ACC meets tonight, 7 pm online. Crime, development, and equity are among the scheduled topics, and if you have a community concern, bring it. Attendance info:

washington.zoom.us/j/99516156974?pwd=dUt6eFVqWUt4aTFNNEJRUFBKWkNEUT09

Meeting ID: 995 1615 6974
Passcode: 638862
One tap mobile
+12063379723,,99516156974#,,,,*638862# US (Seattle)

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EARTH DAY 2021: At-home celebration invitation

April 15, 2021 9:26 am

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| Environment | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

That’s one of the signs made by West Seattleites of all ages in honor of Earth Day last year, after an invitation to create and place signs of support in windows or yards. Earth Day is April 22nd – one week from today – and you’re invited to do it again! From Vince Stricherz:

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day, that annual celebration of our planet and all the work being done to protect its environment, is fast approaching. Once again, the Care for Creation team from Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes is urging people all over West Seattle to place an Earth-related photo or illustration in their windows or a sign in their yards on April 22 to demonstrate our commitment to taking care of this place we call home. One possibility is for kids to make drawings around Earth Day themes, or kids and adults can work together to make displays highlighting the importance of clean water, clean air and healthy soil! You also can download images from the Internet and place them where all who pass by your home can see them. We hope to see lots of images celebrating Earth Day!

As we did last year, we also invite you to send us a photo of your sign/display on Earth Day – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text the pic to our 24/7 hotline at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Spring-break Thursday watch

April 15, 2021 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! Sunny and warm again today, possibly making it into the mid-70s (we got to 67 on Wednesday).

SPRING BREAK

School’s out until Monday for Seattle Public Schools (and independent schools on the same calendar); middle-school and high-school part-time in-person classes start Monday.

ROAD WORK .

Delridge project – Here’s where crews are working this week.

TRANSIT

Metro is on its regular schedule; on Saturday, Metro will increase the number of passengers allowed on buses.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule; Monday, the spring/summer all-day, 7-days-a-week schedule begins.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

388th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 14th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Read about other changes ahead, here.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

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

And 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: Wednesday 4/14/2021 roundup

April 14, 2021 11:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s local/state pandemic toplines:

ELIGIBILITY EVE: Thursday’s the day all those months of often-confusing vaccine-eligibility rules end – everyone 16 and up in our state is eligible. That means 1.5 million more people eligible, according to the state’s newest vaccination-situation report.

J&J VACCINE STATUS: The special FDA committee reviewing the situation of a rare possible side effect decided Wednesday to keep the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on nationwide “pause.”

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals – note that the source page mentions a data adjustment, which might explain the fluctuating numbers:

*92,158 people have tested positive, 356 more than yesterday’s total

*1,489 people have died, 4 more than yesterday’s total

*5,490 people have been hospitalized, 32 more than yesterday’s total

*1,001,280 people have been tested, 8,878 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the four totals we track were 90,026/1,480/5,408/986,427.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find all the numbers, county by county, on the state Department of Health data page,.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.

STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS’ BRIEFING: The weekly briefing by Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah happened this morning. Watch the briefing here. Among the topics, an update on “vaccine breakthroughs” – see that info here.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING THURSDAY: Gov. Inslee plans a 2:30 pm briefing/media Q&A. It’ll be streamed here.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A VACCINATION APPOINTMENT … here are links to try:

*If you’re looking for a city-site appointment, note that they canceled appointments they claim were posted on unspecified “social media” without authorization. The official advice is to sign up for the city’s notification list for all four of its sites here.
*Health-care providers (particularly bigger ones like UW Medicine (one reader specifically recommends Valley Medical Center), Franciscan, Swedish, Kaiser Permanente, Neighborcare, etc.)
*covidwa.com (volunteer-run aggregator) – you can also follow its tweets for instant notifications
*The state’s Vaccine Locator (as mentioned above)
*The CDC’s Vaccine Finder
*Pharmacies big and small – Safeway, Rite Aid, QFC, Pharmaca, Costco
*Sea Mar clinics
And if traveling a distance is not a barrier – Beth recommends this lookup.

GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Robbery, ID-theft arrests

April 14, 2021 10:05 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

Some days (like yesterday) there’s no crime news to report. Today has not been one of those days. Here’s another West Seattle Crime Watch update:

WALGREENS SHOPLIFT-TURNED-ROBBERY: Big police response this past hour at the South Delridge Walgreens after what was described in radio communication as a case of shoplifting that became robbery when a gun was pulled. Officers were in a brief standoff with the suspect – but it ended a short time ago with them taking him into custody. More information when we get it.

ADDED 9:49 AM THURSDAY: A few more details from the preliminary police summary: “The (adult male suspect) was known to the workers for having been previously trespassed from the store for numerous theft incidents. When contacted by store employees, the suspect produced a weapon and threatened to harm all persons in the store if they did not allow him to leave. Employees self evacuated.”

ID THEFT ARREST: This happened at the Westwood Village Bank of America around 4 pm this afternoon. According to the preliminary police summary:

A bank manager called 911 to report a suspect attempting to access a bank account with fraudulent documents and ID. The bank confirmed with the account holder the suspect did not have permission to access the account and stated the items being used had been stolen during a burglary in Kent. Officers arrived and investigated the incident. The suspect was taken into custody for forgery and ID theft. Search incident to arrest, officers located multiple ID cards, access cards, and personal financial documents belonging to several possible victims. The suspect was booked into KCJ for investigation of forgery and investigation of ID theft.

We’ll follow up on the suspects’ status in both cases tomorrow.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit has questions for you. Plus – see early property-acquisition estimates

April 14, 2021 9:31 pm

| 85 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Two items of interest as Sound Transit continues planning for West Seattle light rail:

SURVEY: We’ve reported on the “realignment” process that could end this summer with ST pushing back or even canceling projects such as West Seattle light rail (currently projected to open in 2031, already reflecting a one-year delay). Today ST announced a survey to get community opinions before its board members make those decisions. The survey is accessible via this new realignment-information website. The heart of a survey is an open-ended two-part question, after asking respondents to choose the area(s) where they’d like to prioritize transit projects: “Why are the transit projects you’ve prioritized important to you? What would you prioritize when considering delaying, phasing, or modifying future transit projects?”

PROPERTY-ACQUISITION ESTIMATES: While embarking on potential “realignment,” ST is also continuing planning for West Seattle and other not-yet-under-construction projects. The next major stop along the way for WS is the release in a few months of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. ST’s ongoing research also includes estimated cost for acquiring property it might need to build the system. After we reported in January about ST saying its estimates had grown in a big way, West Seattleite Tomasz “Avalon Tom” Biernacki – who visualized early data three years ago – filed a public-disclosure request for additional data to which ST had alluded. He received it, and made a Google Map showing which properties they’ve evaluated:

He explains it as “a simple interactive map where folks can see if their property might be affected by all this. This map includes all the WS properties in the data set. The interactive map only includes West Seattle properties up to the bridge. (The full data set contains all the properties across Seattle.)” The actual cost estimates are on the dataset document, listed by parcel numbers. If you want to look up your property but don’t know your parcel number, you can find it via King County Parcel Viewer (choose ‘property report” once you’re on the page for your property).

Sound Transit, he notes, sent the data with this disclaimer: “Staff has advised us that this document is considered a work in progress and has yet to be thoroughly vetted and confirmed by local, state and federal partners. We would like to emphasize that this information is preliminary and should not be relied upon in any way. It is subject to change as design is refined and as coordination with agency partners continues. Once finalized, information similar to this will be available in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will be available for review in mid-2021.”

Avalon Tom observes, “If you study the map, an interesting pattern emerges. Assuming ST provided me with all the data you can see that they are only really studying two of the alternatives as there is no data in the set for properties that would be affected by the other alternatives. (Or they just did not share that data with me.) They are also padding the acquisition costs. If you do some random Zillow Zestimate checks against what they are estimating they are leaving plenty of headroom for what they call ‘Administrative costs, Relocation & Contingencies’.”

Again, the next formal step in the process is the DEIS release in a few months.

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SATURDAY: Another West Seattle compost giveaway

April 14, 2021 7:49 pm

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| Environment | Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

In case you didn’t see it in our coverage of last month’s HPAC meeting or on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – this Saturday morning (April 17th) brings another compost giveaway in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). 9 am until it’s gone, bring your own shovel and container(s) for up to a half-yard of compost per household. Masks required.

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District 1 Community Network hears from affordable-homeownership advocate, city’s lead lawyer

April 14, 2021 5:26 pm

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| Neighborhoods | South Park | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Affordable housing and city law were the two centerstage topics at this month’s meeting of the District 1 Community Network, a West Seattle/South Park coalition of community advocates.

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST: Most talk of “affordable housing” focuses on renting. The Community Land Trust concept focuses on homeownership. Kathleen Hosfeld, executive director of Homestead Community Land Trust, explained it to D1CN attendees. In short – a Community Land Trust retains ownership of the land, which is leased by homebuyers, reducing the cost of houses.

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From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: About the tree-cutting in Schmitz Preserve Park

April 14, 2021 3:41 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Added: WSB photo; trees were removed along the left – north – side)

Katherine emailed to ask what we could find out about “all the tree cutting that happened along Schmitz Park Boulevard between the entrance at Whale Tail Park and the bridge? They cut down about 5 or 6 big trees.” We took the question to Seattle Parks and Recreation, since Schmitz Preserve Park is a city park, 51 forested acres between west Admiral and Alki, donated to the city more than a decade ago.

(Satellite image from Google Maps)

A Parks spokesperson explained that the tree-cutting is part of the Olmsted Parks and Boulevards Restoration Project, one of three sites around the city, the only one in West Seattle. The project overview says the specific goal is “to make permanent an informal pathway up a steep hillside for safety.” Specifically, Parks told us in response to our inquiry, their crews are “in the process of removing eleven Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Sycamore maples’ along Schmitz Boulevard. The trees being removed were assessed as being in poor condition and host to a number of fungal pathogens. These trees are being replaced two for one through a generous donation by the Friends of Olmsted Parks.” The project has its roots in a study and survey we featured two years ago.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Merchandise-laden white van stolen

April 14, 2021 2:27 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Amy hopes you can help find her van and/or the merchandise that was inside it:

My white 2009 Ford E-250 cargo van was stolen from our apartment building garage, 3622 California Ave SW, yesterday 4/13 between 4:45-6:30 pm. We have both keys to the vehicle, so it was rigged to start. The van is a business vehicle, so it was stolen with a significant amount of retail inventory consisting of artisan clothing and home decor. The van was full of blue plastic storage boxes containing our inventory and retail fixtures (canopy tent, rolling rack, etc.).

The license plate number is C15608T. (Here) is a photo of the same make/model/year as our van. On our van, the front plastic bumper is sagging on the right side, and the metal bumper is pushed in with some breakage to the headlight. The right back bumper is also pushed in. The is a small number 4 on the upper window of the driver’s side door.

Our inventory is stored inside the van in blue Sterilite boxes (photo). These are just as valuable for us to retrieve as the car, so any boxes found would be greatly appreciated!

If you see the van, call 911. If you find any of the containers/merchandise, let us know and we’ll connect you with Amy.

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REMINDER: Months-closed Quality Cleaners offering three last chances for pickup Saturday, Sunday, Monday

April 14, 2021 1:12 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

In case you missed the announcement the first time – unclaimed items inside Quality Cleaners at California/Admiral, closed since last June after 86 years, will be available for pickup this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The family that owns the building – which, as shown in our photo, is now up for sale – will open it those three afternoons (April 17-19) from noon-4 pm so that people can come get those items. After that, what’s left will be donated to charity. On those three afternoons, masks will be required, and one person will be allowed inside at a time.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Westwood robbery; vehicle arson; dumped-likely-stolen bicycle

April 14, 2021 11:11 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

WESTWOOD VILLAGE ROBBERY: Police are investigating a reported armed robbery at the Westwood Village Rite Aid store right now; a note on the door indicates it’s closed until 1 pm as a result. We’re hoping to get more information at the scene but in the meantime, police-radio exchanges indicate the robber(s) are believed to have escaped in a light-blue small-SUV-type vehicle last seen eastbound on SW Barton, and that this could be related to similar robberies in the region.

ADDED 3:48 PM: From the preliminary police summary:

At approximately 10:22, officers responded to a robbery at the Rite Aid located at 2600 SW Barton Street. Witnesses described the (robber) as a juvenile male between the age of 14 and 18. The (robber) jumped over the pharmacy counter, demanded Promethazine and Codeine, and threatened the victims with a firearm. The (robber) was armed with a handgun. Victims complied and provided the (robber) with an unknown amount of product.

VEHICLE ARSON: Another suspected arson at an encampment near the 1st Avenue South Bridge; the early summary on this one says it happened after 2 am, and that a witness reported that someone poured gasoline on a vehicle and set it on fire. SFD was called and extinguished the fire. No arrest or injuries reported.

STOLEN-LIKELY-DUMPED BICYCLE: From Elyse:

Recently this lovely Peugeot bike was left in our community (Duwamish Cohousing) near the 16th Ave entrance, across from the college. It was dumped with a hodgepodge of what looked like stolen items. It’s a nice bike and we’d love to return it to its owner.

For those who always ask, yes, they’ve already tried other ways of trying to find its owner. If the bicycle might be yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.

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BIZNOTES: Alair Gift Shop; Young’s Restaurant; Kickdown Café

April 14, 2021 10:35 am

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Three biznotes today:

ALAIR SUBSCRIPTION BOXES: Subscription boxes are not just for food! Alair Gift Shop proprietor Shandon Graybeal sends word that “we are launching subscription boxes – this is a project that’s been two years in the making to get the boxes right, figure out how to keep it organized and personalized, and have it make sense with shipping and all the other costs. I’m so proud with the end result, even if it took way longer than we expected. There’s 3 different themes as of today, but I’m sure we’ll add more as we learn. And people can choose monthly or quarterly to receive with an easy cancellation whenever they are ready. We wanted to get them out in time for Mother’s Day, and I think they make the perfect gift (of course I do). There’s also a one-time option – no need to sign up for anything long term.” You can check out the options online here.

YOUNG’S RESTAURANT: Good news for fans of the longtime South Delridge restaurant (9413 16th SW) – Janice Young sent word that they’re now open for dine-in and take-out. Hours are 8 am-3 pm Tuesdays through Sundays, closed on Mondays. Here’s the menu.

KICKDOWN CAFE: Proprietor Naomi Rivera says her café inside Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) has an event coming up next week:

The Kickdown is just a small café inside Nepenthe. We serve beverages and light eats at no cost. We gladly take donations. Back by popular demand — Pancake 420! Since we can’t sit in a circle and puff, let’s eat circles and stuff. The Kickdown will be open April 20, 11-5, to help you celebrate the holiday. We will be kicking down tasty cakes. If you have food restrictions message us ahead of time and maybe we can do something for you. Our usual snacks will be available as well. WE WANT TO FEED YOU AND YOUR MUNCHIES. We have outdoor seating. No cost to participate.

Got a biznote? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WHALES: Orcas in view from West Seattle

April 14, 2021 9:12 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

9:12 AM: Just received via text:

Watching Orcas from our house near Brace Point. They’re staying put for now, seem to be fishing. They’re at the southern tip of Blake island. Middle of the Sound. Look for seagulls overhead.

Let us know if you see them too!

9:28 AM: The texter reports they’ve moved south to the ferry lanes, now off the stern of M/V Kittitas.

10:01 AM: Northbound now, per comments.

11:45 AM: And now to the south – Kersti Muul texted to say they were near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal; Robin Sinner comments that they were in view south of there.

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WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Spring-break Wednesday watch

April 14, 2021 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Sunny and breezy again today, with a mid-60s high (we got to 64 on Tuesday).

SPRING BREAK

School’s out all week for Seattle Public Schools (and independent schools on the same calendar); middle-school and high-school part-time in-person classes start Monday.

ROAD WORK .

Delridge project – Here’s where they’re working this week.

TRANSIT

Metro is on its regular schedule; on Saturday, it will increase the number of passengers allowed on buses.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule; starting Monday, the spring/summer all-day, 7-days-a-week schedule begins.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

387th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

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

And 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 4/13/2021 roundup

April 13, 2021 11:12 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s pandemic toplines:

ONE VACCINE PAUSED: Today’s biggest pandemic news – one of the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the U.S., the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is being “paused” nationwide because of a report that six women who received it suffered from an “extremely rare” blood-clotting problem. The vaccine has been given to 6+ million people in the U.S. so far. City-run vaccination hubs had some scheduled to get it this week but have switched those appointments to other vaccines. Meantime, FDA and CDC scientists are studying whether the problem is definitively linked to the vaccine, and federal regulators say the “pause” might just last a few days. Go here to listen to the FDA/CDC briefing about the decision.

WHAT IF YOU ALREADY RECEIVED THE J&J SHOT? That’s addressed in this local post.

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

*91,802 people have tested positive, 87 more than yesterday’s total

*1,485 people have died, 2 more than yesterday’s total

*5,458 people have been hospitalized, 9 more than yesterday’s total

*992,402 people have been tested, 396 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 89,743/1,475/5,398/986,092.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 137.4 million cases worldwide, 31.3 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.

PANDEMIC BRIEFING: At 8:30 am tomorrow online, state health officials will present their weekly briefing and media Q&A. Watch the livestream here.

LOOKING FOR A VACCINATION APPOINTMENT? Thursday’s the day everyone is eligible; here’s our ongoing list: