West Seattle, Washington

03 Saturday

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month : 05/2021 323 results

ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Monday watch
May 17, 2021 6:07 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning. Rainy, breezy weather on the way.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Here’s this week’s plan, and progress reports on work zones like the intersections with Orchard and Thistle.

I-5 FYI – A year-long project on northbound I-5 through downtown starss tonight; WSDOT says work will be done at night to reduce impacts.

FERRIES/BUSES

Regular schedules today.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

420th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 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 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.

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CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 5/16/2021 roundup, including our weekly West Seattle trend check
May 16, 2021 11:59 pm
|      69 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s pandemic notes:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the King County Daily Summary Dashboard page, the cumulative totals:

*102,989 people have tested positive, 233 more than yesterday’s total

*1,559 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total

*6,041 people have been hospitalized, 11 more than yesterday’s total

*1,068,166 people have been tested, 2,855 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 101,099/1,542/5,949/1,056,877.

WEST SEATTLE TRENDS: Sunday is the night for 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, 114 positive test results; 174 in the 2 weeks before that; 150 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, unchanged again this week. And a look at hospitalizations: 190 total have been attributed to people in the two West Seattle HRAs since the start of the pandemic, none recorded in the past week.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 158.3 million cases and 3,293,000+ deaths, 581,000+ of them in the U.S. – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here

SUPERMARKET MASK POLICIES: You’ve probably heard about national chains like Trader Joe’s and Costco. Two regional chains with West Seattle stores have loosened their mask policies too – here’s what Metropolitan Market says on its website:

With the recent announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning mask usage, and guidance from local officials, fully-vaccinated customers and team members now have the option to choose whether or not to wear a mask within our stores. According to the CDC, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson). Individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are still required to wear a mask or face covering while in our stores.

PCC‘s announcement is shorter:

Starting [May 14th], following the guidance of the CDC, shoppers are not required to wear masks for entry into PCC’s 15 locations. The co-op supports CDC guidelines that masks must be worn indoors by those not fully vaccinated. All PCC staff are still required to wear masks.

VACCINATION SITUATION: Seattle Public Schools starts campus clinics this week at high schools, middle schools, and K-8 schools.

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

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UPDATE: Missing woman found
May 16, 2021 8:41 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

UPDATE: The missing woman has been found safe, her family reports.

EARLIER:

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store robbery
May 16, 2021 8:28 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

Police say a shoplift-turned-robbery happened early this morning at the South Delridge 7-11. Their preliminary summary says two females were inside the store just before 7 am when one “grabbed a pack of aluminum foil and concealed it in her pocket.” The clerk confrontd her; she “threw a couple of punches at the employee. The punches missed the employee.” At that point, because of the use of force, the situation became a robbery. The two females left the store; police were called and searched the area but didn’t find them. No further description in the report; police were attempting to obtain surveillance video.

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ELECTION 2021: Who’s really running? Filing Week starts tomorrow
May 16, 2021 6:11 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Though we’ve been hearing from, and about, candidates for months, nobody’s officially on the ballot until they formally file to run – and the official Filing Week starts tomorrow. Here’s the reminder from King County Elections:

checkbox.jpgCandidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the upcoming filing week of May 17 through May 21, 2021.

King County Elections is strongly encouraging all candidates to file online. Online filing opens at 9 am on May 17 and is open 24 hours a day until 4 pm on May 21.

In-person assistance will be available for those who need it at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton. Those who do come in person will be required to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth. One can be provided, if needed. Candidates in need of assistance can also call 206-296-1565.

As the COVID-19 situation continues in our community, we will not be accommodating large groups or photo opportunities inside the facility.

Candidates can also file by mail. Mailed filings must be received no later than 4:30 pm on May 21, regardless of postmark.

The final deadline to withdraw one’s name from the ballot is 4:30 pm on Monday, May 24.

An updated list of candidate filings will be posted by noon and by 6 p.m. each day until the filing week ends. The list will be finalized following the withdrawal deadline.

There are many offices subject to election this year, including county and city level offices, school boards, and special purpose districts. You can find the complete list of offices subject to election in King County on our website here.

Candidates can sign up for notifications by email or text to get alerts about deadlines and other candidate-related information. Candidates looking for more information, please visit our website or call 206-296-1565.

In advance of filing week, candidates and ballot-measure advocates/opponents have registered campaigns with entities such as the city Ethics and Election Commission – see those lists here – and state Public Disclosure Commission – see those lists here.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 10 feathered neighbors
May 16, 2021 3:10 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks for more beautiful West Seattle bird photos! Here’s a new Sunday afternoon gallery. First, two from Jerry Simmons – a Canada Goose family on a walkabout above, a young Barred Owl below:

Mark Wangerin photographed the next two – a Red-breasted Sapsucker:

And a Bewick’s Wren (click the link and listen to the audio – they’re singing everywhere):

Gentle McGaughey perfectly captured the distinctive “hairstyle” sported by Steller’s Jays:

Trileigh Tucker photographed this Band-Tailed Pigeon:

This Crow at a feeder is from Michelle Green Arnson:

James Tilley photographed the next two – the celebrity Bald Eagle “Bey”:

And an Osprey with a snack:

We conclude this gallery with a Willow Flycatcher, which Lawrence Heeren says is the first one he’s seen in 21 years in West Seattle:

From birds to breaking news, we appreciate the photos you share – westseattleblog@gmail.com if it’s not urgent, or text 206-293-6302 if it is!

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VACCINATION: Clinics start tomorrow at Seattle Public Schools
May 16, 2021 1:46 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Clinics start tomorrow at Seattle Public Schools
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tomorrow is when Seattle Public Schools start offering on-campus student vaccination clinics for ages 12+ in partnership with the city. From the full districtwide list, the local schools’ dates are:

Chief Sealth International High School

1st dose: Monday, May 17
2nd dose: Monday, June 7

West Seattle High School

1st dose: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 18
2nd dose: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 8
1st dose: 2 – 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 21
2nd dose: 2 – 5:30 p.m., Friday, June 11

Louisa Boren STEM K-8

1st dose: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 20
2nd dose: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursday, June 10

Pathfinder K-8

1st dose: 2 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 20
2nd dose: 2 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 10

Denny International Middle School

1st dose: Monday, May 24
2nd dose: Tuesday, June 15
1st dose: Thursday, May 27
2nd dose: Friday, June 18

Madison Middle School

1st dose: Tuesday, May 25
2nd dose: Tuesday, June 15

If the specific time isn’t listed, that should have been – or will be – sent to families via email. Signed parent/guardian consent forms are required; they’re available in seven languages, all linked here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Coffee stand damaged by burglars
May 16, 2021 10:09 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

10:09 AM: The photos show the exterior and interior views of the damage West Bay Coffee and Smoothies had to deal with this morning after an early-morning burglary.

The drive-up/ride-up/walk-up stand is at 2255 Harbor Avenue SW. We’re following up to see if anything was taken that people could be on the lookout for.

12:14 PM: They’ve confirmed that the stand is open today – just had to start the day with a major cleanup.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: From market to music
May 16, 2021 6:43 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Here’s what’s happening for your Sunday:

TODAY’S ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES: As we do every Sunday, 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.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: New offerings every week this time of year at the Farmers’ Market, open 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. 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)

DONATION DRIVE: Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) welcomes food, socks, and men’s-casual clothing, 11 am-3 pm – details of what’s most needed are in our preview.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)’

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The official public reopening isn’t until Friday, but if you’re a Southwest Seattle Historical Society member, you can visit the home of West Seattle’s history today (noon-4 pm, 61st/Stevens). Details here.

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)

LIVE MUSIC: At The Alley, behind 4509 California SW, the Triangular Jazztet plays two sets tonight, 8 pm and 9 pm.

Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 5/15/2021 roundup
May 15, 2021 11:30 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s where the pandemic stands tonight, locally:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from Public Health‘s daily-summary dashboard:

*102,756 people have tested positive, 230 more than yesterday’s total

*1,559 people have died, 5 more than yesterday’s total

*6,030 people have been hospitalized, 24 more than yesterday’s total

*1,065,311 people have been tested, 706 more than yesterday’s total

ONE WEEK AGO: Last Saturday, those numbers were 100,455/1,542/5,935/1,054,882.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 162.5 million people have tested positive, and more than 3,369,000 people have died; U.S. deaths exceed 585,000. Most cases: U.S., India, Brazil, France, Turkey (unchanged again this week). See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

VACCINATED IN THE JUNCTION: In two and a half hours, today’s vaccination pop-up in The Junction served 93 people. The incentive:

READY TO BE VACCINATED? Along with the Monday-Saturday city hub at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, you can go here to see other local options.

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

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RETURNING: Bike Everywhere Day’s beneath-the-bridge stop
May 15, 2021 9:25 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(2018 Bike Everywhere Day commute-station photo, courtesy WSBC)

Another annual event is returning after skipping last year – Bike Everywhere Day (formerly “Bike to Work Day”) is next Friday, May 21st, and West Seattle Bike Connections plans a “commute station” on the path beneath the West Seattle Bridge for the first time since pre-pandemic. They’ll be there with partner groups/agencies between 6 am and 9 am, as detailed in our calendar listing, with bike checks, simple repairs, and info on riding routes. If you’re out riding – or walking! – that morning, stop by.

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WSB FYI: The newest free West Seattle job listings
May 15, 2021 6:48 pm
|    Comments Off on WSB FYI: The newest free West Seattle job listings
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

If you’re looking for work, you might find it in the West Seattle Jobs Offered section of the WSB Community Forums. It’s where local businesses can post job openings, free. Newly posted in just the past three days:

Retail Sales
Landscaping
Haircutting
Medical assistant
Boba barista
High-school science teacher
Plumbing-company operations manager

In case you didn’t know about this section of our site but are looking for work or looking for workers, we publish a reminder like this periodically. Local businesses – West Seattle, White Center, South Park – are welcome to post job listings, free. Go here to see what’s listed; go here to get a login so you can post (not required for reading). If you’re posting a job listing, please remember to include contact info in your post so potential candidates can reach you directly – thank you!

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BIZNOTE: Overhaul in front, live music in back
May 15, 2021 5:08 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

While in The Junction this morning to cover the vaccination pop-up, we saw this in the window at Be’s Restaurant (4509 California SW):

As the note on the right says, they’re overhauling the menu as well as the space at this Junction fixture. But there’s more to the sign on the left – not only is The Alley open in the space behind Be’s, it’s also hosting live music again. We’ve received an announcement from Jeff Ferguson on behalf of the Triangular Jazztet:

Live music returns to the Junction this Sunday at The Alley, where barmaster Cory is sure to delight and surprise with his custom designed cocktails (or just an old fashioned Old Fashioned). There will be two shows at 8 and 9 pm with no cover. Seating is limited and masks required while moving about the premises.

Meantime, we’ll be checking with the ownership about the timeline for reopening Be’s.

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HELPING: West Seattle Garden Tour volunteers reunite to tend a renowned local garden
May 15, 2021 2:41 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

The report and photos are from West Seattle Garden Tour president Jeff Daley:

The West Seattle Garden Tour has missed not being able to hold our garden tour these past two years, which has kept us from being able to sponsor local beneficiaries. Today we were happy to once again come together as a group and support the local gardening community. This morning we helped tend the garden of one of our previous beneficiaries, the Seattle Chinese Garden.

Wishing everyone happy gardening, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022

The garden is open daily on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus on Puget Ridge.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Junction fire victim – city council president Lorena González’s mother-in-law – has died
May 15, 2021 10:49 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, post-fire, from Friday night)

10:49 AM: Last night’s fire in a West Seattle Junction condo building (WSB coverage here) has turned deadly. Last night, City Councilmember Lorena González disclosed the fire broke out in her building – and today, she has announced that the 79-year-old woman who was pulled from the burning unit was her mother-in-law and did not survive. Her statement, received by email:

My family is deeply saddened to share that last night we said goodbye to my 79-year old mother-in-law, Mary Lou Williams, who passed away after sustaining significant injuries from a fire in her condo unit located just two floors above our condo. My husband Cameron and his brother Carlos have lost their beloved mother and my daughter Nadia has lost her Grandma. Our loss is unimaginable. She was a member of the West Seattle Senior Center, where she often taught art classes and sold her own art. Her artistic ability was incredible and we live in a home with her art and memories on every wall.

“Thank you to the Harborview Medical Center nurses, doctors, therapists and other staff for doing everything you could to help our family and allowing us to be at her bedside the entire time. We know our first responders and all the medical staff did everything they could to make her comfortable.

“While our unit was spared, our building is uninhabitable. We are staying with friends while we assess our long term housing plans and assess the physical damage to our home. We are sustained by the outpouring of love and support, and offers of housing and basics from all of you during this devastating time. We appreciate your understanding as we embark on our journey to grieve and celebrate the life and memory of one of our matriarchs, our sweet Mary Lou.”

The statement adds, “Council President González and her family ask for privacy at this time as they grieve the loss of their family member and evaluate damage done at their home.” Last night she said she, her husband, and their daughter were not home when the fire started. SFD is investigating its cause.

11:51 AM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says, “I spoke to our fire investigators and they determined the fire was accidental and likely caused by an electrical failure. “

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UPDATE: Almost 100 vaccinated at West Seattle Junction pop-up
May 15, 2021 10:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

10:29 AM: That’s the setup at the West Seattle Junction vaccination pop-up, on until 1 pm. One table signs you up, the next table is the inoculation station, then you get your Husky Deli coupon – until they hit 100 – and you’re on your way. The line is along the north end of the parking lot and then northward to 42nd/Oregon.

This is among the first of the pop-up clinics the city’s Mobile Vaccination Team is having around the city, in hopes that making vaccination more convenient will continue boosting the numbers of people who get vaccinated.

12:15 PM: No line, per commenter.

1:04 PM: Final count was 93 in two and half hours, reports Lora Radford of the West Seattle Junction Association.

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Vaccination pop-ups, benefit sales, ‘Instruments of Change,’ movie talk, much more for your West Seattle Saturday
May 15, 2021 6:34 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday photo by Marc Milrod)

Another sunny day, with a lot going on!

TRAFFIC ALERT: Sidewalk work is planned on the west side of West Marginal Way, north of the Duwamish Longhouse, 8 am-3 pm.

HIGH POINT VACCINATION POP-UP: At Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) with Pliable, 8 am start (check the appointment page for updated end time), Pfizer vaccine, so ages 12+ are eligible.

PLANT SALE FOR LUNG CANCER: 9 am-3 pm, 3703 SW 107th, encore day for Lung Force Walk-benefiting sale that started last weekend – details here.

BLOCK SALE FOR ANIMALS: 9 am-3 pm, down the block from the plant sale, you’ll find a huge yard sale raising money for PAWS Walk – details here.

JUNCTION VACCINATION POP-UP: First West Seattle pop-up by the city’s Mobile Vaccination Team, in partnership with the Junction Association, 10 am-1 pm in the 42nd SW parking lot just south of SW Oregon. Coupons for free Husky Deli ice-cream cones for the first 100 to get vaccinated. Your choice of all three vaccines, so ages 12+ are eligible.

SOLSTICE P-PATCH PLANT SALE: 10 am-3 pm, come support the P-Patch and its Giving Garden by buying plants/starts raised by the gardeners! 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW – details in our calendar listing.

FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: 11 am-4 pm at 3809 46th SW, this pets-and-people-advocacy group is reviving its legendary annual plant sale for the first time in 6 years. As noted in our calendar listing, you might encounter some live music too.

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 today (noon-4 pm, 61st/Stevens). Details here.

WEST SEATTLE SKYLINK VOLUNTEERING: The gondola advocates are starting a new phase of community outreach and inviting volunteer support – meet at noon at Dakota Place Park (California/Dakota).

‘INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE’: 5:30 pm online celebration to support the West Seattle Food Bank, with silent auction (bid now!) and live auction (pre-bid now!) – links for watching and registering are in our Friday preview.

‘PAPER TIGERS’ + Q&A AT ADMIRAL: As previewed here, 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!

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 5/14/2021 roundup
May 14, 2021 11:40 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s pandemic headlines:

VACCINATION EVENTS TOMORROW: Saturday brings the city’s Mobile Vaccination Team to The Junction, 10 am-1 pm in the 42nd SW parking lot (just south of SW Oregon), with all three vaccines available so it’s open to 12+, no appointments needed, first 100 people to get vaccinated will snag coupons for free Husky Deli ice-cream cones. … There’s also a mobile team from Pliable in High Point, 8 am-11:15 am Saturday – you can make an appointment by going here.

KING COUNTY NUMBERS: On to the daily stats from the Public Health daily-summary page, cumulative totals:

*102,526 people have tested positive, 645 more than yesterday’s total (SKCPH says that includes 406 “delayed PCR positive cases” added to the state database now, from 4/26-5/6)

*1,554 people have died, 2 more than yesterday’s total

*6,006 people have been hospitalized, 2 more than yesterday’s total

*1,064,605 people have been tested, 962 more than yesterday’s total

Now our weekly check of key numbers on the COVID Vaccination Among King County Residents dashboard:

*1,316,460 people have received one dose (71.1% of everyone 16+)

*988,215 people have received both doses (53.4% of everyone 16+)

*2,025,315 doses have been allocated to King County (not counting pharmacy programs)

One week ago, the first four totals were 100,485/1,536/5,926/1,053,287, and the vaccination totals were 1,248,950/853,646/1,888,395.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 161.9 million cases, 3,357,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.

GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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UPDATE: Fire on 44th SW, 1 person to hospital
May 14, 2021 6:15 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:15 PM: Seattle Fire has arrived at what they are calling a “working residential fire” in the 4400 block of 44th SW in The Junction. Updates to come.

6:19 PM: Added top photo sent by Brenden. SFD reports “rescuing at least one person from the building.” Here’s a photo sent by WSB’s Katie Meyer:

(Added – photo from Aaron)

SFD crews are continuing to battle the flames. Another view from Brenden – the smoke has turned white:

6:34 PM: SFD says the fire’s out and the person they rescued is a 79-year-old woman who’s being taken to the hospital in critical condition.

(Photo by Katie Meyer)

(Photo by Larry Shaw)

The cause is under investigation.

7:17 PM: Some units are being dismissed. Along with investigating, there’s a lot of aftermath cleanup – such as broken window glass on the sidewalk below the building.

8:10 PM: This building is home to City Council President Lorena González, and we’ve been trying to find out her status. She has just commented via Twitter:

This evening, a significant fire occurred at our home. My husband, daughter, and I were not at home when the fire began. Thank you to all who have reached out, I want you to know that my immediate family is safe.

I am grateful to Seattle Police Department, the Seattle Fire Department, and our first responders for their efforts to stop the fire from spreading further and for their rescue efforts.

There’s also word that an off-duty firefighter helped in the early going, according to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, with whom we spoke at the scene:

Witnesses say neighbors were heroes too, “grabbing ladders and helping people out,” according to Wes Olsen, who sent this photo:

9:30 PM: Nearby streets have reopened; Metro Routes 50 and 128 have resumed service in the area.

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: Separate story to come – the victim did not survive. She was Councilmember González’s mother-in-law.

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SCHOOLS: Boiler project at Lafayette Elementary starts Monday
May 14, 2021 5:36 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Seattle Public Schools is circulating this notice sent to the Lafayette Elementary community, since it’s of potential wider interest to neighbors as well as nearby businesses and their customers who might see the crews:

This summer, Lafayette Elementary School will undergo construction improvements including seismic, sprinkler, and HVAC upgrades that were already planned as regular maintenance.

Included in the upgrades, is replacing the existing boiler and associated piping. Asbestos abatement of insulation materials will be required prior to removal of the various mechanical components. The abatement, or removal process, is a monitored process to safely remove or handle any asbestos that may be in our older buildings in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Due to the limited number of work days this summer, and the time required for removal and replacement of the various mechanical systems, asbestos abatement activities are scheduled to begin on Monday, May 17. The abatement activity will be confined within the Boiler Room and associated sub-surface utilidor tunnels. Work will only take place during non-school hours and in areas where no students have access to.

SPS has hired an independent third-party environmental consulting firm, NOVO Laboratory and Consulting Services, who are certified to oversee this work and will ensure the work is being performed safely and in compliance with the project manual as well as all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Questions? Capital projects manager Tom Gut is the contact at twgut@seattleschools.org.

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WHALES: Mystery sightings today
May 14, 2021 4:34 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales

Two reports of whale sightings today – maybe you’ve had a sighting too? Around noon, Philip reported a whale (“not an orca”) off Three Tree Point headed north. About two hours later, Susan saw this: “I glimpsed the back half of an orca as it rolled northward, not far from the Fauntleroy ferry slip. I waited for it to resurface north of the dock… and waited… saw a blow, but its source didn’t appear to be the B&W of an orca. It surfaced again, and definitely was something other than an orca or humpback. What happened to the orca?” Humpbacks and grays are in regional waters now too; if you see a marine mammal you can’t identify, try a species guide like this one offered by The Whale Trail.

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DELRIDGE PROJECT: Here’s what’s next
May 14, 2021 2:36 pm
|    Comments Off on DELRIDGE PROJECT: Here’s what’s next
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

SDOT’s preview of what’s ahead for the next week of work in the Delridge RapidRide H Line preps project is in. Key locations:

Landscaping and irrigation installation continues throughout the corridor

Asphalt overlay paving between the West Seattle Bridge and SW Dakota St scheduled to begin as early as May 24.

This work will happen between 7 PM and 6 AM

Residents and businesses will be notified in advance of any impacts to their access

Electrical utility upgrades at the intersection of SW Findlay St and Delridge Way SW delayed

We will provide additional details about this work and notify residents and businesses of any potential impacts prior to this work starting

Roadway upgrades at SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW nearly complete

This week, we will begin installing vehicle-detection loops at the intersection

Roadway upgrades at 21st Ave SW and Delridge Way SW nearly complete

21st Ave SW has reopened to traffic

Demolition between SW Holden St and SW Thistle St was completed last week

We will now upgrade underground electrical utilities in the area

Parking will be restricted while this work takes place

A reader asked when SW Thistle will reopen east of Delridge; before Memorial Day, SDOT replied. The full list of work zones for the week ahead is here.

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HELPING: Bidding begins for West Seattle Food Bank’s ‘Instruments of Change’
May 14, 2021 1:21 pm
|    Comments Off on HELPING: Bidding begins for West Seattle Food Bank’s ‘Instruments of Change’
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Registered yet? It’s free to sign up for Saturday night’s 14th annual “Instruments of Change” online benefit to help the West Seattle Food Bank continue keeping people fed and housed. Live and silent auctions are part of it; silent-auction bidding is on now, while live-auction pre-bidding starts at 5:30 tonight. You can go here now to browse what’s been donated for the auctions – travel, food, fitness, fishing, beverages, and beyond. Registration is free – go here to get that done. Then watch the event starting at 5:30 pm Saturday – the livestream will be here.

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