West Seattle, Washington
09 Tuesday
(Photo by Bill Schrier, via Twitter)
As home to one of the two Washington State Ferries terminals that are within Seattle city limits, West Seattle has a sizable stake in the system’s plans and operations. This week WSF announced plans for two online community meetings later this month:
Ferry riders, commuters and terminal neighbors are invited to attend one of two upcoming Washington State Ferries virtual public meetings to hear updates and ask questions about the ferry system.
“We learn so much from our community engagement efforts,” said Patty Rubstello, head of Washington State Ferries. “I’m excited that we’re able to offer our spring community meetings virtually this year and hope that even more people are able to join in the conversation.”
The meetings will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 25, and 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 26.
WSF staff will give a brief presentation on service updates, proposed tariff changes and the agency’s continued response to COVID-19. Participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments during the meeting. Both meetings will cover the same material and are designed to give participants the option to join the meeting that best fits their schedule.
Members of the public can participate in the meeting from a laptop, desktop or mobile device, but advanced registration is required to participate.
Registration for the virtual meetings:
· Register online for the 11 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, May 25, at: bit.ly/WSFSpringMeeting1
· Register online for the 6 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, May 26, at: bit.ly/WSFSpringMeeting2
These public meetings are held in coordination with the Ferry Advisory Committees. WSF will also hold a special meeting for members of all 13 FACs at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, to discuss their role in advising WSF on customer service and schedules. Members of the public are invited to attend and can register by going to: bit.ly/SpringFACMeeting2021.
One big topic for West Seattle – ongoing planning for the Fauntleroy terminal replacement; the next meetings for that project are expected this summer.
(WSB photos)
They’re here! The West Seattle Junction Association‘s spring/summer hanging flower baskets were delivered today, and a crew’s been at work all morning hanging them:
As you probably know (unless this is your first spring/summer here), the baskets get ever-more vivid as the season continues. Again this year, they’re underwritten by donors (including WSB) who “adopted” one or more baskets, and placards will be placed by each basket in honor of its “adopter.”
Thanks to West Seattle pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen for the view of West Seattle (and beyond)! Three notes as we enjoy another sunny day:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Though the official public reopening isn’t until next Friday, if you’re a Southwest Seattle Historical Society member, you’re welcome to visit the home of West Seattle’s history starting today (noon-4 pm, 61st/Stevens). Details here.
GRAB-N-GO FOOD BOXES: If you need food, it’s available today at another drive-up/ride-up/walk-up distribution outside Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton), 2-5 pm.
‘PAPER TIGERS’ + Q&A AT ADMIRAL: As previewed here last night, the 6:30 pm showing of the new Seattle-set/filmed movie “The Paper Tigers” at The Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) will be followed by Q&A with its editor, West Seattle resident Kris Kristensen.
Event coming up? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Gregg Ratigan and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Greggory Scott Ratigan
July 22, 1976 – May 4, 2021Gregg passed away peacefully at Swedish Hospital with his sister Kristina and cousin Jennifer by his side. Greggory Scott Ratigan was born in Seattle to parents Jeff and Karen Ratigan. He was raised in West Seattle with older brother Tim and younger sister Kristina. Gregg attended Holy Rosary Catholic School, John F. Kennedy High School, and the University of Washington, where he graduated with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
Gregg was a sweet, quiet, kind, caring, and compassionate person. He loved spending time at home with his family, holidays and celebrations with the Norbergs and Ratigans. Growing up, he loved playing soccer, baseball, football, and his favorite, basketball. Gregg cherished the lifelong friendships he made with kids in the neighborhood, Holy Rosary, Kennedy, and his many co-workers.
Gregg had a variety of jobs growing up, from delivering papers for the Seattle Times, Thriftway, and Pegasus Pizza. For the last 17 years he was a proud Union Longshoreman of ILWU Local 19.
Gregg will be deeply missed and always remembered by his brother Tim, sister Kristina, many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents Jeff and Karen.
A private funeral mass and burial will be held at a later date. Please share memories of Gregg on the obituary page and online guestbook at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Greggory-Ratigan
If you wish, donations may be sent to Holy Rosary Catholic Church West Seattle or Children’s Hospital.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:12 AM: Good morning. More sunshine!
ROAD WORK UPDATES
West Marginal Way – SDOT says the sidewalk work on the west side of the street north of the Duwamish Tribe longhouse will happen this weekend and next – work hours 8 am-3 pm.
35th/Graham – The work zone has expanded into both southbound lanes of 35th at Graham, so it’s one lane each way using the northbound side.
Delridge project – This week’s plan spotlights the 21st/Delridge closure and says Delridge/Orchard is close to completion. Next week’s update should arrive later today.
SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed for utility work related to housing construction.
FERRIES/BUSES
Washington State Ferries is delaying the return to 3-boat service on the Triangle Route until June.
The West Seattle Water Taxi continues on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings; the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.
Metro is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
417th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 18th 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 now 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.
Big day in pandemic news:
JUNE 30TH: That’s the day Gov. Inslee says businesses can fully reopen – or sooner if 70 percent of everyone 16+ in our state gets at least one dose of vaccine before then.(Right now, it’s at 57 percent.)
SEPTEMBER 1ST: That’s the day Seattle Public Schools will start the 2021-2022 school year – with full-time in-person learning, interim Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announced today.
GOT VAXXED? DROP MASK! Well, it’s not entirely that simple, but close. The CDC declared today that fully vaccinated people could quit wearing masks in most situations, and the governor announced he’d align our policy with that, immediately. Businesses still have the right to require you to wear one.
NEWEST NUMBERS: Now the update from the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:
*101,881 people have tested positive, 285 more than yesterday’s total
*1,552 people have died, 5 more than yesterday’s total
*6,004 people have been hospitalized, 17 more than yesterday’s total
*1,063,643 people have been tested, 1,339 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, the four totals we track were 104,256*/1,533/5,924/1,051,030. (*Last Thursday’s case total turned out to be a King County typo.)
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 161.1 million cases worldwide, 32.8 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.
VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES: Saturday in The Junction or High Point – updated details here … City-run West Seattle hub remains open Monday-Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), no appointment needed … Campus clinics for Seattle Public Schools students 12+ start Monday … Check this lookup for other sites such as local pharmacies.
NEED A RIDE TO GET A SHOT? Free and discounted transportation is available.
GOT INFO/PHOTOS/TIPS? 206-293-6302, text or voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Last Sunday, we reported on why The Admiral Theater‘s general manager is so excited that they’ll be screening “The Paper Tigers,” a Seattle-set/filmed martial-arts comedy, starting tomorrow. We learned via a comment that the film’s editor is a West Seattle resident, Kris Kristensen, who then emailed today with an announcement: “Since the producers are all in NYC this weekend promoting the film, they’ve asked me to hold down the fort on the West Coast. I will be in attendance at both the Friday and Saturday evening (6:30) screenings at the Admiral Theater to do a Q&A following the screening.” The movie is scheduled for two showings a day during its weeklong run here – you can see the schedule and/or buy advance tickets by going here.
Another chance this Sunday for neighbors to show their generosity: Alki UCC is having another donation drive to collect food, men’s casual clothes, and socks. Here’s the announcement:
Sunday, May 16, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Outside our main entrance at 6115 SW HindsWhile 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 SanitizerDonations 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.
Painter LCP (Lester C. Pearson) is one of the artists you can meet during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk. LCP is at Snip-Its (4506 California SW) until 8:30 pm, showing paintings of musical artists who have inspired him.
Also in The Junction, we visited CAPERS (4525 California SW).
Abstract pencil artist Jan Dale Koutsky is featured tonight, there until 7 pm.
See featured artists and food/beverage venues – specials when you mention you’re out for the Art Walk! – by going here. Art Walk night is a great time to explore local businesses as well as discover local art. Second Thursday every month, year-round.
In his briefing today, Gov. Inslee said the key to getting more people vaccinated is convenience. So here’s the latest on three upcoming opportunities:
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION ON SATURDAY: Two updates on the pop-up in the 42nd SW parking lot, 10 am-1 pm this Saturday – the city’s Mobile Vaccination Team will bring Pfizer too, so ages 12+ are eligible, and the West Seattle Junction Association has doubled the number of coupons for free Husky Deli ice cream cones – they’re now available to the first 100 to get vaccinated. Enter the lot just south of SW Oregon for free parking if you’re going to the clinic, too.
HIGH POINT EVENT ON SATURDAY: Pliable LLC is returning to Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) for a first-dose Pfizer clinic, 8 am-2 pm. Go here to sign up.
‘A SHOT AND A BEER’: Washington Beer Blog (headquartered in West Seattle) reports that breweries are hosting clinics – including The Good Society in The Admiral District, on Saturday, May 22nd. More details forthcoming.
SIDE NOTE: West Seattle is already at the statewide goal, at more than 70 percent of 16+ people having had at least one dose of vaccine. Choose the maps tab on this page of the King County website – scroll down to the zip-code maps, and you’ll see that 98136 leads the way with 83 percent, followed by 98116 with 81 percent, and 98126 with 70 percent. (West Seattle also has parts of the 98106 – 74 percent – and 98146 – 67 percent – zip codes.)
With big news today including new CDC guidance on masks for vaccinated people and Seattle Public Schools’ plan to fully reopen this fall, plus days to go until the end of the 2-week pause in the reopening plan, we’re carrying Gov. Inslee‘s pandemic briefing live. Notes as it goes.
He starts by saying “a huge number of business restrictions … will be lifted June 30th.” This is because of a move to “full focus” on vaccinations as the primary weapon against COVID-19. He says cases and hospitalizations are “both coming down … and we’re very pleased. … And there is universal access to the vaccine now.”
In the “immediate future,” the governor says that as of next Tuesday, every county “will have the opportunity to be in Phase 3,” even if they are now in Phase 2, but it’s up to local decisionmakers. “The basic bottom line is that most of our businesses will stay at 50 percent indoors,” until that full reopening on June 30th – or earlier if the state gets to 70 percent vaccination (at least the first dose) of people 16+. Right now, he says, trends suggest that won’t happen until late June, but it could happen sooner, with capacity/supply for more vaccinations to be given every day than are being given right now.
2:52 PM: Inslee says the new CDC mask guidance for fully vaccinated people will be adopted by our state, effective immediately. That’s two weeks after the second shot if you got Moderna or Pfizer, or after the one and only shot if you got Johnson & Johnson. However, he says, businesses can require workers/customers to wear masks – the new guidance just means that if you’re fully vaccinated, the state won’t require it in most places.
Again, he says, regarding vaccination, “this is a different pandemic strategy, but we need the same level of commitment.”
2:56 PM: He moves on to schools, saying he expects that all will fully open for in-person learning this fall – an announcement that Seattle Public Schools made earlier today. Whether they’ll have any rules depends on the vaccination rate. COVID testing will be “ramped up” in the fall, he says. He also mentions more money for business relief.
3 PM: Now on to media Q&A. The first two questions are for clarification of the new mask guidance. Again, they’ll still be required some places – including health care and public transportation. But businesses CAN still require masks if they choose to. How would businesses check someone’s vaccination status? he’s asked. The state is not planning to require that they check – “but again, they are legally entitled to do so” if they choose, he says. State health secretary Dr. Umair Shah added that what the CDC said today is further recognition that vaccines are effective in both protecting the vaccinated person and preventing people from spreading the virus to others. If you’re still uneasy about getting vaccinated, the governor added, talk with your health-care provider “and get their advice.”
Will the governor follow what Florida is doing and canceling fines/penalties for business violators of COVID rules? No, Inslee says.
Will our state follow what other states are doing and offer incentives (like the Ohio lottery)? The governor “would not rule out these kind of incentives. It is something we’re giving some thought to.” He says to wait and see for possible news “next week.”
The state is not planning to call for “vaccine passports,” but again, individual businesses have the right to ask for proof.
3:27 PM: The briefing has wrapped up with the governor making one more pitch for vaccination, saying there’s no reason to not do it. “We’re looking for leaders here” – if you’re vaccinated and know someone who isn’t, talk to them about it. Overall, today he declares today “one of the most remarkable days” since the start of the pandemic.
The window atop this story will soon feature the archived video. Here’s what the governor’s office has published online about today’s reopening announcement.
Two reminders for tonight:
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Celebrate spring, art, and local businesses by joining in tonight’s Art Walk! The official preview has been updated and expanded since we mentioned it last weekend, with a full list of who’s participating this month. Here’s a quick list of who’s open with in-person artist receptions – all over the peninsula from Admiral to Arbor Heights:
West Seattle Grounds (5-8 pm)
West Seattle Runner (5-7 pm)
Wend Jewelry (4-8 pm)
Fogue Gallery (5-8 pm)
Mystery Made (5 pm “till late”)
Verity Credit Union (5-8 pm)
Capers (5-7 pm)
Wild Rose’s (6-8:30 pm)
Snip Its (5-8;30 pm)
Brookdale West Seattle (3-5 pm)
Canna West Seattle (6-7 pm)
Viscon Cellars (5-8 pm)
Resolve Chiropractic (5-8 pm)
Brace Point Gallery (5-8 pm)
Multiple restaurants/bars have food and drink specials, too! For locations, artist details, links, maps, go to the official Art Walk preview.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: If you’d rather cozy up with an online author presentation, this monthly series presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is happening tonight too. At 6 pm, hear from author David Williams about jhis book “Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound.” Free but you have to register to get the link – go here.
(WSB photo)
11:20 AM: Seattle Parks announced last month that it would return the fire rings to Alki Beach by Memorial Day – and today, with the holiday weekend still two weeks away, they’re back. Thanks to Guy for the tip; we just went over for photographic proof. In the early pandemic weeks, Parks locked the fire rings to discourage “crowding and congregating,” and then removed them last July. Neither of those steps kept people from having beach fires; many nights in the ensuing months, we heard Seattle Fire crews dispatched to “illegal burn” reports. (During one recent callout, the arriving crew radioed to dispatch that no lives or property were in danger, so they were canceling the dispatch.) Here’s a recap of beach-fire rules; we’re checking with Parks to see when they’ll be officially open (unlocked).
2:34 PM: Not until Memorial Day weekend, says Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin.
10:30 AM: Seattle Public Schools‘ new interim superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has just announced the district is preparing to fully reopen schools this fall. In an open letter published on the district website, Dr. Jones said, “My staff know how to successfully open school across 104 sites and that is exactly what we plan to do in September, while continuing to follow public health and state guidelines.” District schools closed in mid-March 2020 and reopened for part-time in-person learning less than a month ago; (corrected) June 18th is the last day of this school year, while the 2021-2022 school year is currently scheduled to start for most SPS students September 1st (see the calendar here).
11:31 AM: More details from the official news release, which has since arrived:
… While the focus is on in-person instruction for all students, the plan does include a remote option for students who may be unable to attend full-time in-person for health-related or other significant reasons. …
… Dr. Jones identified important areas of collaboration and partnership that will be prioritized as the plan is developed:
• Working in partnership with the SPS Board of Directors to approve the final plan for submission to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI);
• Working in partnership with the Seattle Education Association during development of the best possible instructional environment that will ensure the highest student outcomes;
• Including input from key stakeholders, community groups, students and families, with a particular focus on students and families furthest from educational justice.
With the return to full-time in-person instruction, Superintendent Jones plans a range of student and staff-focused supports:
• Focus on student mental health – SPS will use federal emergency funds to invest in additional mental health services, trauma-informed practice and working with families and staff to create a “culture of care” as students return to classrooms.
• Supporting student growth – Focus on each student’s individual learning path in collaboration with parents and caregivers. Additional academic supports, community partnerships, and learning opportunities will be in place to support those students with the most need.
• Robust wellness supports for SPS staff.
• Continuing to use new and innovative instructional practices that have evolved over the past year.
Fall implementation planning teams will be convening to design the plans for the full-time in person model.
The SPS Board of Directors will hold a special board meeting on May 26, 2021 to review the Washington LEA Academic and Student Well-Being Recovery Plan, which is required by OSPI. On June 1, 2021, SPS will submit the board-approved plan to OSPI.
You raise the plants, they raise the money! Three benefit plant sales are happening this weekend:
SOLSTICE PARK: The gardeners from the P-Patch at this park across from the north end of Lincoln Park are hosting their spring plant sale this Saturday (May 15th), 10 am-3 pm:
The sale supports basic maintenance needs of the garden and most importantly funds our Giving Garden. The Giving Garden provides fresh produce for the West Seattle Food Bank. Last year the Giving Garden produced 999 lbs of vegetables, and combined with 255 lbs of produce from individual plots, the Solstice P-Patch gave 1,254 lbs. Last year we were unable to hold our spring sale, which is our largest fundraising event of the year. This is a great way to find great veggie starts and interesting plants for your garden.
Look for the sellers by the tennis courts at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW.
FURRY FACES FOUNDATION: For the first time in six years, this group that helps pets and their people is hosting one of their legendary plant sales:
After a 5-year hiatus, Furry Faces Foundation Plant Sales are back! Always great plants. Always great fun. Always for a great cause…keeping pets and people together.
Perennials, Annuals, Edibles, including Tomato Plants and Veggies, Sedums and Succulents, Black Mondo Grass, drought tolerant plants, shrubs, and more. Most 2.5″ and gallon size plants are priced from $3 – $10, with all proceeds directly supporting our mission of Keeping Pets & People Together.
Tim Scallon, Furry Faces Foundation’s Official Musician, will be performing on Saturday afternoon. Come by, shop our plants, then relax and enjoy Tim’s captivating music. You might want to bring a folding chair if you plan on staying for awhile to listen to Tim and visit with fellow plant lovers.
The Furry Faces sale is set for 11 am-4 pm Saturday at 3809 46th Ave SW.
LUNG FORCE FUNDRAISER: Amy’s extended her benefit sale (which launched last Saturday), adding 9 am-3 pm this Saturaay to raise money for the American Lung Association via her Sue’s Crew Lung Force Walk Seattle team. Sue’s her mom, a two-time lung-cancer survivor. 9 am-3 pm at 3703 SW 107th.
6:07 AM: Good morning. Partly sunny forecast today.
ROAD WORK UPDATES
West Marginal Way – SDOT says the sidewalk work on the west side of the street north of the Duwamish Tribe longhouse will happen this weekend and next
35th/Graham – The work zone has expanded into both southbound lanes of 35th at Graham, so it’s one lane each way using the northbound side.
Fauntleroy/Juneau – Lane-reducing work here
Delridge project – This week’s plan spotlights the 21st/Delridge closure and says the end is in sight for Delridge/Orchard.
SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed for utility work related to housing construction.
FERRIES/BUSES
Washington State Ferries is delaying the return to 3-boat service on the Triangle Route for at least another month.
The West Seattle Water Taxi continues on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings; the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.
Metro is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
416th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 18th 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 now 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.
Tonight’s local/state pandemic updates:
ONE MORE SAFETY RULING: The state Health Department has officially given its thumbs-up to lowering the Pfizer vaccine’s eligibility age to 12 – this after a CDC advisory group and the Western States review group both declared it safe for the younger recipients. The other two vaccines – Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – remain authorized only for those 18+.
VACCINATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN: By afternoon, readers report, city sites were already vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds. Appointments are available if you want to guarantee a spot; Seattle Public Schools has clinics starting next week at all six high schools, middle schools, and K-8s in West Seattle.
SATURDAY POP-UP: Another reminder that you can get vaccinated in The Junction on Saturday if you’re at least 18, 10 am-1 pm in the north end of the parking lot off 42nd SW south of SW Oregon. Free parking in the lot if you’re going to the clinic, and coupons for Husky Deli ice-cream cones for the first 50 people. It’ll be your choice of Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. (THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: We’ve learned that Pfizer vaccine WILL be available, so they WILL be vaccinating 12+ at this clinic.)
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*101,596 people have tested positive, 207 more than yesterday’s total
*1,547 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total
*5,987 people have been hospitalized, 14 more than yesterday’s total
*1,062,304 people have been tested, 944 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals were 99,754/1,532/5,914/1,049,354.
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.
HEALTH OFFICIALS’ BRIEFINGS: The weekly briefing by state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah and other officials happened this morning. Watch the briefing here. … Then this afternoon, King County health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin delivered an early edition of his weekly briefing. He said daily cases have dropped 20 percent and declared that it appears we’ve “turned the corner” away from the latest surge. Watch his briefing here.
NEED FOOD? Another grab-n-go food distribution is happening at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trwnton) this Friday, 2-5 pm. Drive/ride/walk up, wear a fade covering, and keep in mind that it’s first-come, first-served.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
On a day that began with a one-two punch that rendered the 415-days-and-counting West Seattle Bridge closure extra-painful, the Community Task Force‘s monthly online gathering brought some news, as well as discussion of the ultimate Frequently Asked Question – why isn’t it fixed yet? – and a few other common questions.
That’s where we begin this month’s coverage of the advisory group’s meeting.
That cat is one lucky kitty. It survived a close call with high-voltage danger, thanks to determined neighbors who spent hours on Tuesday trying to get it down. Among them, Corey, who sent the report, photos, and video:
Here is a crazy story with a nice ending. We live in the Osborn condos on California Avenue SW in the Junction. My wife was on our deck and a lady below asked if we had a black and white cat and pointed to the telephone pole in the alley behind our condo. There was a fluffy black and white cat about 45 feet above the ground balanced on a 3″ piece of metal on a telephone pole. Various neighbors called the fire department, electric company, animal control pleading for someone to help get this cat down.
Pastor Ron from (First Lutheran Church of West Seattle) and neighbor Dominic tried to use a 40-foot ladder to get the cat down, but the ladder was not tall enough. I visited the local fire department and spoke with fire chief. Two police cruisers ended up in the alley and two concerned officers helped by calling the public utility requesting assistance. After about two hours of neighbors placing calls and assistance from the Seattle Police, Seattle City Light came out with its lift and rescued the cat.
The City Light worker indicated that the cat was straddling a couple live wires and one bad step could have ended this cat’s life. The cat was successfully rescued and ran off to its home!
As you can hear at the end of the video, the rescue was a relief to everyone watching!
Here’s a stolen electric bike to watch for. The photo and report are from Kimmy:
Last night, someone stole my Rad Power Bike out of our garage (somewhere between 8 pm – 5L30 am). It seems they were somehow able to get into one of our locked cars and take the garage door opener (?!).I have attached a picture of my bike, although it now has a rear-view mirror and basket over back tire that were added since I took the photo. We live in North Admiral, at Lander and 45th.
It’s been reported to police; we’ll add the report number when it’s available. (Added: It’s 2021-908044.)
(WSB photo: Mark and Meghan Hogan of Dream Dinners present $1700 check to Mike Kreiger, WEB coordinator, and some of his WEB students)
A big boost for the student-powered WEB student-to-student mentorship program at Madison Middle School, in partnership with longtime WSB sponsor Dream Dinners West Seattle, which provided the announcement:
An enormous shout-out to WEB Coordinator Mike Kreiger and Madison Middle School Families! They helped the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Program WIN the Dream Dinners $500 March Matchness nationwide contest. Out of 70 nationwide stores they had the most signups to support their cause, with 50 families.
Dream Dinners Corporate Office donated and matched the initial contribution of Madison families to the maximum of $500. Together with the help of the 50 local families’ outstanding participation and the West Seattle Dream Dinners store, they raised $600 to give back to Madison’s WEB program. But that’s not all, Mark and Meghan Hogan – West Seattleites themselves, Madison Middle School parents, and owners of the West Seattle Dream Dinners store – donated and matched an additional $600. They are so proud of our community and know that it all starts in the schools. West Seattle has a bright future and they want to be a part of it. In total, the Madison WEB program earned $1700.
If you would like to find out how Dream Dinners can help you raise money for your favorite local nonprofit, please contact them by email at WestSeattleWA@dreamdinners.com. They would be honored to partner up with you.
Again a hearty Congratulations to Mike Kreiger and the Madison Middle School WEB Program, from the entire West Seattle Dream Dinners team, who “Took the Stress Out of Dinnertime” for 50 West Seattle families! To view their monthly menu go to dreamdinners.com.
P.S. We talked briefly to two of the students who were there to accept the donation, Clara McCall and Marlo Pietsch:
They are two of about 90 eighth-grade leaders involved with WEB, according to their adviser.
1:36 PM: Two days after the Pfizer vaccine got the FDA’s OK to lower the eligibility age to 12, a CDC advisory committee has given its approval too, and the city is now taking appointments for the younger recipients. Here’s where to start. P.S. Since Saturday’s pop-up clinic in The Junction is offering the other two vaccines, it will not be inoculating people under 18. (THURSDAY UPDATE: This has changed – Pfizer vaccine WILL be available Saturday, so ages 12+ are welcome.)
ADDED 2:20 PM: Seattle Public Schools has now published the dates/times/locations for its upcoming student vaccination clinics, including West Seattle’s high schools, middle schools, and K-8 schools. See the list here.
Here’s a stolen pickup truck to watch for: Mike says his silver 2-door extended-cab 2002 Toyota Tacoma was stolen overnight from the 1800 block of SW Cloverdale: “No obvious signs of break in spotted, no broken glass, etc.” License plate #B26768V. If you see it, call 911.
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