day : 19/05/2021 12 results

2021 roundup

May 19, 2021 11:59 pm

| Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 5/19/2021 roundup

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s local/state pandemic updates:

STATE BRIEFING: State health officials led by Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah held their weekly briefing, with some points of interest. For an overview, Dr. Shah heralded “incredible progress” while warning that we’re “nowhere near out of this pandemic.” He said that in the first four days of 12-15-year-olds’ vaccine eligibility, about 28,000 got their first dose – seven percent of that age group. Other points: They know mask-wearing is a point of confusion now, and the state is working on some clearer guidance for businesses, but in the meantime, everyone should “read the room” and follow rules/policies for wherever they’re at. But if someone chooses to mask up in a situation where it’s not required, “don’t shame them.” One more message: Vaccinations are free, whether or not you have health insurance.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:

*107,659 people have tested positive, 161 more than yesterday’s total

*1,565 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total

*6,069 people have been hospitalized, 5 more than yesterday’s total

*1,072,769 people have been tested, 2,000 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 101,596/1,547/5,987/1,062,304.

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.

SCHOOL CLINICS TOMORROW: Tomorrow’s clinics are at both of West Seattle’s K-8 schools.

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

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CANCELED: No West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade this year

May 19, 2021 9:48 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Coronavirus | Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2019 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade)

The announcement is from organizers Nicole and Meg:

Unfortunately, due to special-event permitting guidelines and COVID-19, we will be cancelling the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade for 2021.

Although we are sad we will be unable to celebrate together this year, we are looking forward to hosting the best parade yet in 2022!

Thank you for all your support and helping keep our community safe and healthy!

If you’re new here – the 4th of July parade involves more than a thousand kids and family members walking and rolling along a route through North Admiral neighborhoods at mid-morning on the holiday, ending with field games at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Here’s our coverage, with video and photos, from the last one pre-pandemic (2019).

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SEEN FROM WEST SEATTLE: Sub and shrimpers

May 19, 2021 8:54 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

This morning we mentioned the big turnout on Elliott Bay and at Don Armeni Boat Ramp for the three-hour spot-shrimp season. Puget Sound just west of Elliott Bay was open too – for one extra hour, until 1 pm – and as Dan Ciske‘s photo shows, some got an up-close look at a submarine headed for Bremerton.

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FOLLOWUP: SW Yancy closure not close to over yet

May 19, 2021 6:30 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

We’ve been following up on the SW Yancy closure east of Avalon Way, severing a busy route to and from businesses including West Seattle Athletic Club, among other destinations. The road’s been closed because of utility/drainage work related to the supportive-housing complex that Transitional Resources is building at 2821 SW Yancy. When last we checked, construction firm Buchanan General Contracting cited “design delays” for stretching out the work beyond its expected completion date last month. Today they have an update on the work:

We sincerely apologize for the extended closures and delays. The first half of the street will be repaved on May 22nd. Seattle Public Utilities rescheduled the water main connection to May 29th, grading will happen the following week, and paving for the rest of the street will be completed June 9th.

So – three more weeks to go. Transitional Resources says the apartments themselves are expected to open early August.

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Same contractor that stabilized the West Seattle Bridge wins competition to fix it: Kraemer North America

May 19, 2021 3:46 pm

| 56 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

First, six firms submitted proposals to fix the West Seattle Bridge (and do some low-bridge work too). Then the field was narrowed to three. Less than two hours ago, the three final proposals were opened – and the winner was Kraemer North America, same firm that stabilized the bridge last fall.

The proposals were not strictly price bids but rather for what’s called a General Contractor/Construction Manager. From SDOT‘s announcement:

Kraemer was selected based on their qualifications, experience, price proposal, and history of success, which all indicate that this firm can finish the final phase of repairs and reopen the bridge on schedule. Next, SDOT will engage with Kraemer to develop a pre-construction scope of work so they can immediately participate in progressing the rehabilitation design.

The repair design has already been under way with SDOT consultant WSP; now Kraemer will plug into the process, and the next update with a more-specific timeline is expected when the design reaches the 60 percent stage by July. Though the repair work itself isn’t expected to start before fall, SDOT has said there may be some other “early work” that can be done on the high bridge, described in today’s announcement as possibly including “replacing bridge expansion joints or repairing pavement.” (SDOT explains that also could include “injection of epoxy into cracks.” The high-bridge repair will focus on more “installation of carbon fiber wrapping and steel post-tensioning cables.”) In the meantime, SDOT tells us, these are the next steps: “SDOT will engage with [Kraemer] to develop a pre-construction scope of work so they can immediately participate in progressing the rehabilitation design. We expect to finalize the contract and issue a Notice to Proceed by the end of June.” Estimated reopening of the bridge remains “mid-2022”; the early cost estimate of the work involved in this contract is $72 million.

P.S. The other two finalists, as announced at this afternoon’s opening (which we watched online), were Granite and Kiewit Faison. Here is the document displayed showing how the three scored. During the last Community Task Force meeting, it was mentioned that the contractors not chosen could choose to file a protest; SDOT tells us they have 3 days to do that.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Robbery arrest; business burglary

May 19, 2021 3:25 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two businesses hit by crime early this morning:

ROBBERY ARREST: Another 7-11 holdup, this time the one on 35th SW. According to the preliminary police summary, three people entered the store, then one approached the clerk, went behind the counter, and drew a gun from their waistband. The three subsequently “fled the store without getting anything.” Police soon spotted the three suspects approaching “a vehicle parked awkwardly” near an area gas station, and when the officer “told them to stop, they fled in various directions.” Officers chased one on foot and took him into custody; a K-9 search for the others was unsuccessful. The suspect in custody is 18 years old; records indicate the warrant is from a charge filed last week in an Issaquah pharmacy robbery that happened in February.

BUSINESS BURGLARY: Thanks for the tips on this. Somebody broke into the Origins Cannabis (WSB sponsor) shop in The Junction early this morning. We haven’t been able to get the police report but we did call the shop to ask about it; they characterized it as more of a vandalism incident, saying whoever broke in was more intent on causing damage than stealing items. They cleaned up and are open for business.

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Westcrest Park play structure closed, to be replaced

May 19, 2021 1:48 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to everyone who’s messaged us about the fence that has suddenly appeared around that play structure at Westcrest Park (thanks to Jon for the photo). We asked Seattle Parks about it – reply: “The playground has deteriorated and we have closed it. We will be replacing it, in-kind, as part of our Westcrest Off-Leash Area Project.” The reply did not mention a timeline, so we’re following up. It’s one of several Seattle Parks play structures closed in recent years for safety concerns; the south play area at Lincoln Park is still awaiting its replacement 4 years after its sudden closure (construction now set for this fall).

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Highland Park Improvement Club’s pandemic pivot paves way for second century – but it comes with a cost. Here’s how you can celebrate while helping

May 19, 2021 11:34 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The pandemic forced a pivot for the century-old Highland Park Improvement Club and the community members who tend it.

There was no time for breath-catching after the sudden stop to events, for this community-owned-and-maintained facility that relies on them – including rentals – to pay the bills. HPIC quickly found itself filling a void by filling bellies. Even before closed schools got their meal programs up and running, HPIC sprang into action as a food-distribution center for families.

They were serving up to 600 lunches a week. Not just grab-and-go; before long, a local chef was cooking up hot to-go meals. A “community fridge” was in place. And as the weeks and months went by, HPIC became a center for much more.

HPIC took advantage of the downtime under part of its roof – the space with the stage – by working on long-needed renovations/repairs. But they’re pricey – so this Saturday (May 22nd), 4-8 pm, HPIC invites you to its first community event since pre-pandemic times – a modified version of its annual wine-and-more fundraiser. Instead of Highland Park Uncorked, this year it’s Highland Park Decanted, and it’s a two-fer: Outside, a pop-up bar – inside, a tour. We got a preview mini-tour courtesy of HPIC’s Kay Kirkpatrick and Julie Schickling. Read More

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Lake Washington Physical Therapy expands to West Seattle: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

May 19, 2021 10:30 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome Lake Washington Physical Therapy as a new WSB sponsor. New sponsors are invited to tell you about what they do – here’s what to know about Lake Washington Physical Therapy:

A state-of-the-art physical-therapy clinic is now open and accepting new patients in West Seattle!

West Seattle residents and University of Washington Physical Therapy School graduates Mark and Laura Bouma have opened Lake Washington Physical Therapy at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW. Conveniently located near the West Seattle Water Taxi, just half a mile north of Salty’s on Alki, patients can schedule an appointment without being on a waitlist to see an expertly trained & licensed physical therapist for personalized care right away.

Mark Bouma and Laura Bouma have a combined 30+ years of experience, with advanced certifications in orthopedic and manual physical therapy. Patients can expect 45 minutes of one-on-one care with an experienced physical therapist while enjoying the view of the Seattle waterfront / skyline. If you need help with a painful golf swing, have neck pain from working at home, would like to improve your balance, or need to rehab after surgery, patients comment that their care is thorough and individualized with a manageable home program.

Supporting educational events for the community is a critical part of who they are as a team. Mark and Laura are lifetime learners, curious practitioners, and enjoy reaching out to support the community. Check out their free lecture series and blog posts!

Here is what you can expect from Lake Washington Physical Therapy:

● 1:1 care, 45-minute appointments, no double-booking

● Orthopedic Board Certified and Fellowship trained physical therapists

● Most insurance plans accepted

● State-of-the-art, 2100 sq. ft. clinic designed with social distancing and patient safety in mind

● New patients scheduled within 48 hours

● Investment in community relationships

● Weekend Appointments available

Clinic Phone: 206-906-9207.

Visit our website for more information at www.lakewashingtonpt.com. Lake Washington Physical Therapy is a local, Physical Therapist-owned company with four clinics on the Eastside. This is the first Seattle location.

Our expertly trained & licensed therapists are passionate about developing long-lasting relationships built on your health and well-being. We look forward to creating a uniquely personal experience that exceeds your expectations and helps you to meet your personal goals.

We thank Lake Washington Physical Therapy 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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UPDATE: West Seattle’s only remaining tower crane comes down

May 19, 2021 9:42 am

| Comments Off on UPDATE: West Seattle’s only remaining tower crane comes down

| Development | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Photos courtesy senior project superintendent Matthew Olinger)

9:42 AM: As we’ve been reporting, including in the morning traffic alerts, today is takedown day for what’s currently the only tower crane still up in West Seattle, at 1250 Alki SW. That’s further restricted traffic past the site today – alternating use of one lane, so if you absolutely have to go through that area, allow yourself extra time. This crane’s been up for almost exactly one year for construction of the Infinity Shore Club condos. We’ll update the removal progress later today.

2:22 PM: Update and new photo from the project team: the crane’s down –

They’re loading out now and expect to have the street back to 2-way by 5 pm.

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Here’s why Don Armeni Boat Ramp and Elliott Bay are so busy this morning

May 19, 2021 9:13 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

9:13 AM: Thanks to the commenter who asked about all the boats on Elliott Bay this morning. It’s the fishing event that draws a crowd to Don Armeni Boat Ramp every year – the short recreational season for spot shrimp. Fishing for these shrimp is allowed for just three hours today in Elliott Bay – 9 am to noon – with an 80-shrimp limit.

10:35 AM: Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos!

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Wednesday watch

May 19, 2021 6:03 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. Mixed weather outlook again today.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Alki Avenue SW – All day today, the crane at 1250 Alki SW is scheduled to be taken down, so the street will be one lane, alternating, at times.

Delridge project – Here’s this week’s plan.

FERRIES/BUSES

Regular schedules today.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

422nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. (Repair contractor proposals are scheduled to be opened today.) Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 19th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view: