West Seattle, Washington

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day : 24/05/2021 13 results

CORONAVIRUS: Monday 5/24/2021 roundup
May 24, 2021 11:59 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Monday 5/24/2021 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Our nightly roundup of local pandemic-related information:

NO NEW KING COUNTY NUMBERS: For a second day, no update to the Seattle-King County Public Health daily summary – Sunday it was because the state was doing maintenance, tonight it’s blamed on network problems.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 167.3 million cases, 3,473,000 deaths – 590,000 in the U.S. See the other stats – nation by nation – here.

STUDENT VACCINATION CLINIC: Tomorrow there’s one at Madison Middle School.

VAX STATS: In King County, 72 percent of people 12+ have had at least one dose; 58.4 percent are fully vaccinated. In West Seattle, the most-vaccinated zip code remains 98136 – 85.8 percent of people 12+ have had at least one dose. (Maps and stats here.)

TESTING AGAIN: The city announced today that the West Seattle hub is back in the testing business, with a UW Medicine trailer where you test yourself, with an observer.

SUPERMARKET MASKS: Both PCC and Metropolitan Market revised their policies again because of the King County directive.

NEED FOOD? Because of the holiday weekend, no Friday distribution this week at nearest Food Lifeline.

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

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FERRIES: Fauntleroy Community Association’s early stance on terminal replacement; WSF public meetings this week
May 24, 2021 10:11 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Two notes tonight about Washington State Ferries:

(File photo)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LETTER: With planning gearing up for replacing the Fauntleroy terminal/dock later this decade, the Fauntleroy Community Association has sent WSF a letter spelling out its early concerns:

You can read the letter above, or here. Key points are that the FCA supports raising the dock a few feet above its current level, to cover expected sea-level rise, but not further, and that it opposes a larger footprint for the dock. WSF has not made a specific size/design proposal but has noted that the terminal’s small holding zone – 80 vehicles, while the ferries on the route hold up to 1`24 – is a challenge.

REMINDER – WSF PUBLIC MEETINGS: The Fauntleroy terminal is one of many issues/projects WSF is likely to mention during its spring systemwide community meetings this week. The same presentation is planned for both – 11 am Tuesday (May 25th) or 6 pm Wednesday – plus Q&A time. Whichever you want to attend, you need to register to get the participation info; RSVP links are in the meeting announcement.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Supermarket robbed; tires/wheels stolen; bicycle taken
May 24, 2021 8:16 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three more West Seattle Crime Watch reports tonight:

GROCERY-STORE ROBBERY: According to a preliminary police summary, the Junction QFC was robbed just before 4 pm. Police say someone robbed a checker by implying he had a gun, then fled on foot. No description or other details available.

TIRES/WHEELS STOLEN: This happened to Tyler‘s pickup truck overnight in Seaview:

Tyler says the pickup was parked on SW Findlay west of California and adds, “I had locking wheel nuts on every wheel and they were still able to get away with them.” Here is what they looked like:

Police report # is 2021-908820.

BICYCLE TAKEN: Our inbox has had an uptick in bicycle reports these past few days – either stolen-and-missing or dumped-and-likely-stolen (scroll through this archive to see them). This is in the former category, from Renee:

Our son’s blue 24″ wheel REI Co-Op bike was taken from our garage some time in the past 3-5 days, while our garage was left open. We noticed it missing on Sunday 5/23. There is no identification on the bike, and it’s not registered on the Bike Index (now I know!). Ok to email myred5@yahoo.com with info.

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COVID-19 testing returns to West Seattle hub
May 24, 2021 5:53 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

First it was a testing site … then testing and vaccination … then vaccination only … then it was scheduled to close after June 9th … but now the city says its “hub” at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) is back in the testing business and will continue with that indefinitely. This afternoon the city announced it’s partnering with UW Medicine for “long-term COVID-19 testing availability” there. A new testing trailer is there, the city says, “with appointments available immediately (for) self-swab tests where the patient conducts their own COVID-19 test under observation from a health care professional.” Tests are free; UW Medicine subsequently provides results within a day or two. Hours for the testing trailer: 9 am-5:20 pm Mondays-Saturdays, appointments required – go here or call 206-477-3977. The city’s drive-up site in SODO is still operating, too.

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FOLLOWUP: Terminal 5’s new cranes are on their way
May 24, 2021 5:11 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

That’s a screengrab of the tracking map launched by the Northwest Seaport Alliance now that the four big new cranes for Terminal 5 are on their way to West Seattle. We reported two weeks ago that they were about to start their cross-Pacific voyage, and this afternoon, the NWSA announced the journey is under way. The super-post-Panamax cranes, 316 feet tall with 240-foot outreach booms, left Shanghai on Sunday aboard Zhen Hua 36, a vessel owned and operated by the cranes’ manufacturer, ZPMC. The trip is expected to take about a month and will be tracked here; the cranes belong to SSA Marine, first tenant for the modernized Terminal 5, scheduled to get back to regular cargo operations early next year.]

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African Community Housing & Development bringing new monthly farmers’ market to South Delridge
May 24, 2021 2:46 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

South Delridge is about to get a farmers’ market. Here’s the announcement we just received:

On June 12, 2021, the Delridge Farmers Market opens in the South Delridge neighborhood of West Seattle. A USDA-designated food desert, the area has long struggled with food access for its diverse population; this market seeks to put fresh, local food produced by BIPOC-owned businesses directly into the hands of the neighborhood’s residents.

With a mission to serve the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community in King County, nonprofit African Community Housing & Development, led by Executive Director Hamdi Abdulle, has heard from the community for years about the need for food access programs in Delridge. Thanks to support from several new funders, the pilot year of the Delridge Farmers Market is the first step in that direction. The Market is designed to provide a wide array of culturally appropriate foods for the immigrant and refugee community in the area. Featuring robust food access programs, the main goal of the market is to bring local, nutritious food to everyone, especially families for whom fresh produce is a financial struggle.

The majority of vendors are people of color; many are immigrants and refugees themselves. Small-business development is another goal of the market; unlike most Seattle-area farmers markets, vendors are not charged a stall fee to participate, and are provided with resources, equipment, and technical support as they build their capacity to sell at farmers markets. In addition, ACHD seeks to reduce the economic risk of selling at a farmers market and eliminate food waste by purchasing any leftover product at the end of the market day. That food will then be delivered to members of the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community who are unable to attend the market due to mobility or transportation barriers. “We hope to create a market model that is a win-win-win for customers, vendors, and the community,” says ACHD Associate Director Bilan Aden.

Throughout 2021, a variety of different vendors will be present at the market, including: Afella Jollof Catering (African spice mixes), Chef Jalissa Culinary Co (Southern-inspired baked goods), CityFruit (fruit from Seattle’s urban orchards), The Grub Bus food truck (inventive comfort food), Lillie’s Passion (lovingly-crafted sauces, pickles, and jams), Moonvillage Bakery (delicious baked goods), Regeneration Farm (sustainably grown produce from Woodinville), Sariwa Farm (Filipino vegetables), Seola Bee Company (hyper-local honey from West Seattle hives), Small Axe Farm (produce grown by the Black Farmers Collective), Umoja Ni Nguvu (produce grown by Burundian immigrants), and Wakulima (culturally-relevant African produce).

The market will occur on the second Saturday of each month from June – November 2021, from 11 am – 3 pm in the courtyard of Hope Academy (9421 18th Ave SW). Everyone is welcome to attend, and robust food access programs are available to all food-insecure families (including SNAP/EBT, WIC/Senior, SNAP Market Match, and Fresh Bucks). Masks are required, and social-distancing protocol will be enforced.

The Delridge Farmers Market is made possible by King Conservation District, Albertsons Foundation, and the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Individuals interested in attending or volunteering at the market should visit achdo.org/delridgefarmersmarket. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Rachel at rachel@achdo.org.

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WHALES: Orcas passing West Seattle
May 24, 2021 1:48 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

1:48 PM: Southbound transient killer whales are in the area – Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch reports they’re mid-channel, passing the mouth of Elliott Bay, which means they’re likely to be in view soon from west-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see them!

2:20 PM: Kersti says they’re spread out but the leader of the group should be visible from Lowman Beach by now, still southbound.

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CAN YOU HELP? Teacher seeking former students’ letters, cards, art to surprise retiring colleague
May 24, 2021 1:38 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Brooke Jones, an educator at Lafayette Elementary in The Admiral District, is hoping for help in giving a retiring colleague a special sendoff:

Did you or your child attend Lafayette Elementary and have Amanda Miller as a first-grade teacher? After over 20 years at Lafayette Elememtary, she will be retiring. Please help us wish her a fond farewell and thank you for all of her years of teaching. Students and families, past and present, are invited to send cards, art, poems to the front office to be compiled to send as a surprise to her.

Please feel free to email your letter to bjjones1@seattleschools.org and I will print it out. Or mail your letter to Lafayette Elementary (2645 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116) addressed to Amanda Miller c/o Brooke Jones. Thanks so much!

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ARE YOU READY? Earthquake prep on HPAC’s agenda Wednesday
May 24, 2021 11:33 am
|    Comments Off on ARE YOU READY? Earthquake prep on HPAC’s agenda Wednesday
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Neighborhoods | Preparedness | West Seattle news

It’s been 20 years since our area’s last major earthquake. The next one could happen in 20 more years, or 20 decades, or 20 minutes. Preparedness is vital. It can also seem overwhelming – where do you start? Spend a little time at 7 pm Wednesday (May 26th) getting some inspiration with HPAC, the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. Here’s their preview:

We’ve been coping with a pandemic, and a major bridge closure, but are you ready for our next big seismic event?

If we had a major earthquake tomorrow that left us without water for several weeks would you know how to harvest water from your hot-water tank or make a makeshift toilet?

Both before and after a disaster, reliable information about services and supplies is just as important as preparedness for keeping people safe. The Highland Park Improvement Club is a member of the Seattle Emergency Hub Network, whose goal is to train Hub Captains and community volunteers to help provide important information both before and after a disaster strikes. Erika, one of the HPIC Hub Captains, will join us to give an overview of the Emergency Hub network, HPIC’s role, and give a preview of the types of events we have planned with the HUB in the coming months.

Other neighborhood concerns are welcome as always, HPAC says. Info on watching/participating via videoconferencing, or calling in by phone, is here – where you’ll also find info on the first in a series of upcoming webinars on the city’s earthquake plans.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 bicycles – one stolen, one found
May 24, 2021 9:58 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports about bicycles:

STOLEN BICYCLE: The photo and report are from Lorie:

My middle schooler’s new Kona Blast mountain bike was stolen from Target (Sunday) around 4:45 – left inside the double entry doors with friends’ bikes for safekeeping while shopping. It is brown with orange writing, pink grips – large frame. Contact Mike at gatobay2018@aol.com. Police report has been filed.

FOUND BICYCLE: The photo and report are from Conrad:

I walked up and down the staircase that goes between the upper part of Pigeon Point and the bike trail under the bridge several times this weekend and noticed this bike. I don’t see it on the Bike Index and hope I can help it be found by its owner.

Email us if it might be yours and we’ll connect you.

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Remembering Scott A. MacDonald, 1963-2021
May 24, 2021 8:50 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Scott MacDonald and sharing this with his community:

Scott A. MacDonald
August 23, 1963 – April 19, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle, Scott MacDonald. Scott passed away surrounded by loving family on April 19th at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, following a brief but valiant fight with esophageal cancer.

Scott was born in Wenatchee to Raymond and Arlene MacDonald, graduating from WHS in 1981. He attended EWU in Cheney and then graduated from Clover Park Technical College in Tacoma, where he studied graphic design. He then went on to forge a career in the emerging tech industry.

Scott and his wife Kerri moved to West Seattle in 1996, where they made their home, raised son Brenden, and made many family memories on sailing and RV trips.

Scott loved music, especially progressive rock. He played piano and guitar. He also enjoyed learning languages and dialects; he spoke German and Punjabi and was teaching himself Swedish.

Strong, sentimental, smart, funny, generous, and loving are just a few of the adjectives that describe a very special man who will be greatly missed.

Scott is survived by his wife Kerri MacDonald of Seattle; sons Sean Gill-MacDonald, Tacoma, and Brenden Peterson, Seattle; brother John Kowsky, Coeur d’Alene, ID; and sisters Kathy Tift, Bellingham, and Gayle Sherrill, Leland, IL; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alan MacDonald, and sisters Lori Smiley and Joyce Collins.

A small family memorial will be held in the summer.

(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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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Monday notes
May 24, 2021 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. Cloudy and cool today, but the sun’s due back before the holiday weekend. Thanks to Stephen Sills for the photo from Sunday’s xunset:

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Here’s this week’s plan, with major work toward both ends of Delridge – a partial intersection closure at Delridge/Barton/Henderson, and paving just south of the Wewt Seattle Bridge.

SW Yancy – This drainage/utility work east of Avalon has about two more weeks to go.

FERRIES/BUSES

Regular schedules today. (Watch @kcmetrobus for word of any bus cancellations, @wsferries for any major WSF changes.)

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

428th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 20th 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:

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:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check 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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UPDATE: Suspect in custody after police standoff at house across from Lincoln Park
May 24, 2021 1:37 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Reader photo via Twitter)

1:37 AM: Thanks for the tips. Police including SWAT officers are in a standoff at a house in the 7800 block of Fauntleroy Way SW, across from Lincoln Park, an apparent warrant situation, but the man they’re seeking isn’t coming out, so they’ve been using a bullhorn to try to convince him. No other details so far.

1:57 AM: Police may be shutting down a section of Fauntleroy until this is resolved. The warrant is for an alleged domestic-violence incident.

2:19 AM: Not over yet. If you are in the area and heard explosion-type sounds, those were “flashbangs” (meant to disorient but not injure).

2:53 AM: Fauntleroy is blocked, a neighbor confirms. Meantime, more flashbangs.

3:23 AM: Officers radioed that they’ve taken the suspect into custody. (The victim was already safely out of the house.)

3:33 AM: Fauntleroy Way is reopening.

9:37 AM: The suspect, who is 39, is in the King County Jail. The initial police summary says the victim is his 74-year-old father; he is accused of threatening to assault the victim while preventing him, police say, “from leaving the residence or calling 911.” The summary says this all started just before 9 pm last night.

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