West Seattle, Washington
26 Friday
Tonight’s pandemic news, as May’s first weekend concludes:
THINKING ABOUT GETTING VACCINATED THIS WEEK? The city’s West Seattle hub is open for walk-ups until further notice – but you can still get an appointment easily by going here; thousands are available at that and other city sites. (If you are looking for other options, see the list in last night’s roundup.)
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the King County Daily Summary Dashboard page, the cumulative totals:
*98,941 people have tested positive, 437 more than yesterday’s total
*1,526 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total
*5,866 people have been hospitalized, 13 more than yesterday’s total
*1,042,548 people have been tested, 2,579 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals were 96,341/1,503/5,692/1,028,384.
WEST SEATTLE TRENDS: Here’s our weekly check. These numbers are shown in two-week increments via the “geography over time” tab on the countywide daily-summary dashboard; to determine WS status, we combine the totals from the West Seattle and Delridge “health reporting areas” (HRAs): For the past two weeks, 161 positive test results; 158 in the 2 weeks before that; 101 in the two weeks before that. … We also are noting WS death totals each week. The total deaths for the entire pandemic in the two HRAs comprising West Seattle: 67, which means two people’s deaths were reported in the past week. Adding a look at hospitalizations: 187 total have been attributed to people in the two West Seattle HRAs since the start of the pandemic, 6 in the past two weeks.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 152.5 million cases and 3,199,000+ deaths, 577,000+ of them in the U.S. – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here
GRODERY-STORE COVID CASE: Thanks for the tip via text. Metropolitan Market says a West Seattle employee has tested positive for COVID-19. Along with the online announcement, the texter says it’s posted on the store-entrance door.
ROLLBACK WATCH: Though tomorrow’s the date the state looks at the metrics to determine whether counties will move back or ahead in reopening “phases,” the announcements aren’t planned until Tuesday. As shown here, King County is significantly past the Phase 2 maximums in both key metrics.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
One of the community meetings of note in the week ahead: The District 1 Community Network, online at 7 pm Wednesday (May 5th). D1CN is an independent coalition of organizations and community advocates from West Seattle and South Park. Three topics of high interest are part of the agenda – an SDOT guest will talk about low-bridge access, now that applications are open for more authorization categories; an SPD guest will be there to talk about local crime trends and concerns; and the project-team member from the proposed mixed-use redevelopment at 6007 California SW who talked to the Morgan Community Association last month is scheduled too. D1CN rotates facilitators month to month, and Randy Wiger from South Park is the May facilitator.If you’re interested in attending, here’s the video link; by phone, it’s 253-215-8782. For both options, the meeting ID is 850 4211 4712, and the passcode is 165919.
David Hutchinson‘s view of a Great Blue Heron nesting on Pigeon Point gives wing to a warning as we start this gallery of bird photos contributed by West Seattle photographer/birdwatchers. The warning actually comes from Trileigh Tucker, along with this photo of a Killdeer:
She told us:
Yesterday’s low tide brought a nice encounter with a Killdeer, who posed for some portraits. But it also reminded me to ask folks to please be especially careful this time of year, on dry gravelly areas above high tide. From the sounds these killdeer were making, I could tell there was a nest nearby. (Photos are with a long zoom lens.) These nests are just shallow scrapes in gravel and very vulnerable to being accidentally kicked or purposefully harassed by crows and other predators. They can also be very difficult to see if you’re walking nearby.
So if people hear a Killdeer calling loudly, back off. And if you see one displaying its orange back and looking injured, it’s actually trying to distract you from a nearby nest—you should back far away as quickly as possible. Don’t try to “help” it.
The nesting alert covers many birds … whether you’re exploring the beach or the forest or doing work in a yard. Here’s a nesting Bushtit photographed by Mark Wangerin:
Back to shorebirds – here’s a Gull with a skate, photographed by Mark MacDonald at Alki:
Also with a snack, a Caspian Tern photographed by Kersti Muul:
She notes that the terns returned right on schedule, two weeks ago. (You’ve probably heard their raspy call.) Which leads us to another warning/reminder: As noted here on Friday night, it’s migration time for millions of birds. Tonight thousands are expected to fly over Seattle. Do them a favor and leave your outdoor lights off. As for the birds who are already here – Vlad Oustimovitch got a bird-bath visit from a Cooper’s Hawk:
Swimming in a somewhat larger body of water – Seola Pond – this baby waterfowl photographed by Jim Clark:
Seen in saltwater, Pigeon Guillemots – Lawrence Heeren sent the photo:
Two from Gentle McGaughey – a Bewick’s Wren:
And a Song Sparrow:
Also singing, a White-crowned Sparrow photographed by Cindy Roberts:
And last but by no means least, West Seattle’s famous Bald Eagle “Bey” demonstrating, as photographer Jerry Simmons described it, “air superiority”:
Thanks to everyone for continuing to share photos of local birds and other interesting sightings – westseattleblog@gmail.com any time!
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports today:
2 MORE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS: From Scott:
My much-loved Honda Element lost its catalytic converter to despicable thieves (Friday) night. As did my fellow Element owner the next block south. I’m in the 2600 block of Belvidere. It is an expensive problem, not just the cost of the replacement part itself but they cause collateral damage which also must be fixed. Found vehicles are lining up for these repairs at shops.
Though a variety of vehicles are vulnerable, Elements are among the most-popular targets these days, as we learned firsthand in February.
CAR PROWLS: From Karen in Hansen View:
One of our neighbors discovered this morning that car prowlers hit several vehicles in our neighborhood overnight. They broke out a streetside-facing window on two vehicles that were parked on SW Dawson where it dead-ends just west of 36th. They unlocked our older Subaru, rifled through the glove box, and left a large straightedge screwdriver behind. Another neighbor had his van prowled, but doesn’t think anything was taken. As neighbors here compare notes, what we know so far is that this happened around 2 o’clock this morning and that they were in the alley between 36th and 37th – both north and south of Dawson – the 5000-block and 5200-block.
Big news for gardeners – the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open this season! First opening is next Saturday (May 8th), 10 am-3 pm. The Garden Center sells plants raised by SSC Landscape Horticulture students, including “unusual perennials, broadleaf and deciduous shrubs, some small trees, natives, and house plants.” This event is cash/checks only. The Garden Center is on the north end of the SSC campus, 6000 16th SW.
That’s Maria Taylor, outside her salon Belli Capelli. She is announcing that the salon will close – but she is hoping to turn it over to a successor. Here’s her announcement:
Belli Capelli says, “Thank you, West Seattle!” It has been a pleasure to serve you over the last 30 years.
When I launched Belli Capelli (Beautiful Hair) in 1991, I had no idea of the blessings, rewards, and happiness that it would bring me.
Belli Capelli has been an amazing experience and it has allowed me to cultivate some of my most cherished relationships and memories. I love my clients and appreciate all of the talented stylists that I have been fortunate to work with along the way. It has been hard work but great fun! I truly am blessed.
In recent past I have considered partial retirement but was undecided and uncertain as to how to structure a plan that met everyone’s needs. My objective? To spend more time with family while still remaining loyal to my clients and my craft. What can I say? “I love cutting hair!”
But you know what THEY say … “Timing is everything” …
… and with all the changes in 2020, the stars appeared to align.
COVID, shutdowns, and the extra free time that it gave me, forced me to reevaluate the plan I was already working on. A partial exit strategy was in the works.
I am excited to announce that I am looking to lease the Belli Capelli space, with the hope of Robert, Kenzie, and myself staying in the space. I look forward to continuing to work with my clients, and pursuing the passion that I have as a stylist.
Thanks again, West Seattle.
Maria Taylor
She tells WSB, “I don’t have any date set to close till I find the right person to take it over.” You can reach her through the salon (3902 California SW, 206-932-6910).
Family and friends are remembering Greg Curtin and sharing this remembrance with the community:
On Sunday, April 25th, 2021, Gregory Curtin, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
Greg was born on October 20th, 1949 in New Westminster, BC, Canada, to Clement and Gladys (Woodward) Curtin and emigrated to the United States in 1952. He spent his early life on Vashon Island and received an AA degree from South Seattle Community College after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He married Pamela Ryan in 1973 and they raised a son and daughter, Daniel and Buffy, in West Seattle.
Greg worked for General Construction Company for over 25 years and then Walsh Group until he “retired” in 2016. He loved building bridges up and down the West Coast and was especially proud of his work overseeing the pouring of the caissons on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. He was an incredibly hard worker, diligent, and meticulous at his craft. He enjoyed mentoring new engineers and cared deeply for his colleagues over his career.
Greg was a devoted friend and neighbor, and was often the go-to guy for advice when it came to DIY carpentry, electrical and drywall. He lived life in abundance, had a tool or joke for everything, and always had his notepad and pencil ready to scribble down notes and calculations that only he could understand.
Greg was a proud father to Daniel and Buffy and a doting grandfather to his seven grandchildren. Nothing made his eyes shine like talking about his family.
Greg was preceded in death by his father Clement, mother Gladys, and siblings Anne and Michael. He is survived by his son Daniel (Calista), daughter Buffy, grandchildren Lauren, Evan, Liv, Nathan, Winnie, Christian, Morgan, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be postponed until we can all be together in person, just as Greg would have liked. In lieu of flowers or donations, please take time to tell those you love how much they mean to you and give them a Grandpa Greg hug whenever you can.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(South Seattle College Arboretum – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, as May’s first weekend continues:
TRAFFIC ALERT: Again today – as previewed here – work is scheduled to continue on sidewalk improvements along the west side of West Marginal Way, between the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and SW Idaho.
TODAY’S ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES: As we do every week, we’ve updated our list of more than 20 local churches’ online Sunday services (some offer in-person options too), with the newest links – see it here.
SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY FESTIVAL: 10 am-4 pm – info here. The garden is on the north end of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, the market’s open. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska; pickups for online orders are at California/Oregon)
DOLL PARTS COLLECTIVE’S NEW LOCATION: 11 am-4 pm, second day for Doll Parts Collective‘s new location, 4448 California SW, as previewed here.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)’
TOWN HALL: 1-2:30 pm online, the 34th District Democrats are presenting a Town Hall with State Sen. Joe Nguyen, State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State Rep. Eileen Cody, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. You can send questions in advance via this link; no RSVP required for the event itself – here’s that link.
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm online, get updates and ask questions about West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment. Participation information is in our calendar listing.
FREE TO-GO DINNER: White Center Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near the Bartell Drugs parking lot in White Center. (9600 15th Ave SW)
Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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