West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
2:12 PM: Thunderstorms have arrived, and the National Weather Service says they’re likely for much of the afternoon:
Thunderstorms across central Puget Sound this afternoon. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will be possible over this area for the next few hours. When thunder roars, go indoors. #WAwx pic.twitter.com/bNFAN2Goc1
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) September 18, 2021
We’ll be monitoring for storm effects – power outages (just flickered here), etc. – if anything happens in your neighborhood, our hotline (voice or text) is 206-293-6302.
2:21 PM: And now there’s a sizable outage – almost 1,000 customers in Highland Park/southeast West Seattle. Some signals are out, too – Olson/Myers was just mentioned via emergency radio – remember, a non-functioning signal is a 4-way stop.
2:28 PM: The outage has expanded to another 2,000+ customers, including South Park – 3,235 total in what the map designates as two outages.
3:16 PM: Some texters are reporting the power’s back – the map tends to lag so we may not get the full picture on that for a few minutes. (added) Map has now updated – all 3,235 are shown as restored. (The map had suggested a 9 pm restoration estimate – remember that, as happened here, those are usually way off and not worth paying attention to – they are just guesses.) P.S. City Light says a fallen tree’s at fault.
4:45 PM: Forecast says there’s a chance of more thunderstorms tonight, and wind up to 25 mph too.
5:35 PM: Thanks for the tip. Another power outage started half an hour ago – 241 customers are out just north of The Junction:
7:50 PM: The outage north of The Junction is down to 114 customers, and is attributed to “equipment failure.” And now another outage – at least 20 customers along Fairmount Ravine, with a “transformer fire” response at Harbor/Fairmount.
12:14 PM: Thanks to Steve for the photo. Avoid 35th SW at and north of Roxbury. An incident involving two buses, a power pole, and power lines has blocked 35th both ways. No injuries reported, and everyone’s out of the buses, but SPD, SFD, and Metro are all arriving at the scene.
12:24 PM: SPD says this started when another vehicle hit a power pole, causing it to fall onto the two buses. Our crew in the area reports 35th is blocked at Cambridge (both ways).
(SDOT traffic-camera photo)
12:30 PM: We talked to a sergeant at the scene who says there was NOT a third vehicle – the RapidRide bus was letting someone off, the 120 bus was coming by and may have had some kind of mechanical problem, and wound up hitting the pole. City Light has arrived is awaited at the scene to deal with the downed wires as well as the pole.
(WSB photo)
This may remain blocked for a while, so if you need to go east/west in the south end, use Barton instead.
2:55 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent the photo above, showing the downed pole. At the site right now, the buses are gone, but City Light remains:
(SDOT camera photo)
4:16 PM: Still there working on it.
4:36 PM: Though there was no initial outage at this scene, the map shows 17 customers out in the immediate area of the downed pole for about an hour now (separate from the earlier weather-related outages elsewhere in West Seattle). A commenter says the crew at the scene is awaiting a new pole.
5:49 PM: Looks like the pole’s being placed:
7:44 PM: Thanks to Tiffany for the update in comments – the street has finally reopened.
Thanks to Kersti Muul for the photos. What looked to someone like a seal pup at a distance off Duwamish Head earlier this week …
… turned out instead to be a bottomfish called a cabezon:
Despite her extensive wildlife involvement, Kersti says she’s never seen one of those before.
They’re not rare or endangered, though. This state Fish and Wildlife Department fact sheet says, “Cabezon is the largest of the sculpin species found in Washington waters.” They can grow to over three feet long.
Good morning! Here’s what’s happening along with the return of the rain:
ROAD-WORK ALERTS: If no weather cancellation, city crews have plans to work at multiple spots on West Marginal today, as previewed in our Friday morning traffic watch – including the interim crossing/signal by the Duwamish Longhouse and the Highland Park Way intersection.
ORCA HALF, DAY 1: Starting at 7:30 am, about 600 runners will leave this half-marathon‘s starting line in Lincoln Park in waves, headed for Don Armeni Boat Ramp. As previewed here, no road/lane closures are planned.
(WSB photo: Did you know C & P has reopened their indoor seating?)
AT C & P COFFEE: Live music with Marco de Carvalho, Hans Teuber, and Jeff Busch, 10:30 am-noon. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET: Rain or shine, check out this “underground shopping experience” outdoors noon-7 pm in White Center, $1 admission. (9834 17th SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Looking for an indoor activity? Visit the home of West Seattle’s history at 61st/Stevens, noon-4 pm.
OPEN MIC: At The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), starting at 6 pm.
AT THE SKYLARK: The XOfenders perform live, featuring Scattered Sunn, 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE DRAG SHOW: 9 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW; WSB sponsor), it’s Dolly Madison and The DJ with a ’90s party.
Something today/tonight we’re missing? Text us – 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Know where your nearest Emergency Communication Hub is? Check the map and memorize it! West Seattle has long been a leader in this aspect of preparedness – with volunteers ready to set up spots to coordinate communication if a disaster cuts the regular channels. To stay ready, volunteers practice – and they’re doing that at two sites in the city these next two weekends, Volunteers are needed to help with the drills, too. Nearest one to us is a week from tomorrow – Saturday, September 25th – at Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill. Here’s their explanation of what they’re doing:
Feeling pummeled by the pandemic? Try tackling a different type of disaster! Seattle’s Emergency Communication Hubs and The Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service Ham radio operators are responding to simulated earthquakes on two different Saturdays in September. The “Double Trouble” exercise will run from 9 am to 1 pm on September 18th and again on the 25th. Hub Volunteers need YOU to make this exercise successful. They need practice responding to the overwhelming requests for help that are likely after the “big one” hits. Everyone benefits from these drills. Volunteers get better at supporting their communities, the public learns what the Hubs can and cannot do, and the overall system gets stronger. Win Win Win.
Saturday, Sept 25th, from 9 am to 1 pm we’ll be on the south side of town – Jefferson Park next to the tennis courts. Getting involved is easy. Once you arrive, you will become an actor for us; you will be handed a piece of paper with a situation written on it and see if the Hub volunteers can help you. The situation will be something that could realistically happen after a large earthquake: Your household needs drinking water. Your pet is lost. The gas station just caught fire but 9-1-1 is overwhelmed. Your participation will help Hub volunteers improve their skills and adapt their processes. Participating in the exercise is valuable for you as well because you will learn SO much about what to expect if Seattle were to have a large earthquake. You can arrive when convenient and stay for as long as you like. More information can be found at www.SeattleEmergencyHubs.org or by contacting Info@SeattleEmergencyHubs.org or by calling (360) 550-2234 or (206) 933-6968.
Tomorrow’s north-end exercise is happening in Maple Leaf.
9:20 PM: SPD and SFD are on the way to two crashes: One was dispatched as a “rollover” crash in the 3500 block of SW Admiral Way [map]. The other was dispatched as a driver hitting a parked car in the 3800 block of SW Barton. Avoid those areas for a while.
9:28 PM: SFD has already left the Admiral Way scene, indicating no major injuries there.
9:43 PM: They’ve also cleared the Barton scene.
ADDED SATURDAY MORNING: Thanks to Megan for tweeting this pic from the Admiral scene last night, showing it was more of a “car on side” than “rollover”:
According to an alert tonight from Metro, the West Seattle Water Taxi will start early both days this weekend because of the Orca Half half-marathon. The first runs of the morning on Saturday and Sunday this weekend will be 7:30 am from Pier 50 downtown and 8 am from Seacrest. Shuttles from Seacrest will start early too. This is in addition to the regular schedule, which you can see here. The Orca Half will be run both days between 7:30 am and 1 pm, on sidewalks and trails from Lincoln Park to Don Armeni Boat Ramp, as previewed here. (Water Taxi side note: New bike racks!)
One of West Seattle’s most active service clubs has a new president. Here’s the announcement from the Rotary Club of West Seattle:
In 1947, the Rotary Club of West Seattle began serving the local community. From then to now, community leaders of West Seattle have assembled under the banner of Rotary in an effort to exchange ideas and take action to improve the lives of neighbors in need.
The Rotary Club of West Seattle is pleased to announce the President of the 2021-2022 Rotary year will be Alan Mitchell. When asked about the opportunity to lead the service organization, he had this to say: “After I became ‘rewired’ in 2016 (working in service to others instead of for money), two friends separately said, ‘you should look into your local Rotary club.’ I joined because I found good people working together cooperatively in service to others at the local and international levels while having fun. I saw that they are people from a wide span of ages, from those in their 30s starting up families and careers, to others who are also retired. That’s the kind of club I want to be a part of and contribute significantly to for programs that help neighbors locally and around the world.
“Preceding me was Dawn Schaper, Executive Director at Brookdale Admiral Heights, a senior living community. She left extremely big shoes to fill, but with the help of our club’s leadership, I’m confident that we will together be able to address the needs of the very important causes our club supports.”
The Rotary Club of West Seattle is accepting new members. Click here if interested in joining a Club meeting to learn more.
5:09 PM: A crash dispatched as “vehicle vs. motorcycle” is reported at 16th/Sullivan [map]. The rider is reported to be “sitting up.” The initial SFD and SPD response is enough to affect traffic there for a while, so avoid the area.
5:24 PM: No serious injuries, we’re told at the scene. 16th is blocked at Thistle but police say they expect to clear the scene soon.
(WSB photo, September 2020)
One year ago, we took that photo at Westwood Village, where QFC workers were demonstrating in support of hazard pay and for the right to wear union-sponsored buttons declaring that Black lives matter. Their union, UFCW 21, took the button issue to the National Labor Relations Board, and says the NLRB has ruled in its favor. From the union:
After Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd on May 25, 2020, many UFCW 21 members working in grocery and retail stores chose to express their opposition to racism by wearing face masks (otherwise worn for protection from COVID) or other items bearing the Black Lives Matter slogan.
Although Kroger issued public statements expressing sympathy with the Black Lives Matter movement, managers at Kroger-owned stores in Western Washington started ordering UFCW 21 members to remove Black Lives Matter masks in August 2020.
UFCW 21 responded to the company’s Black Lives Matter ban by collaborating with Fred Meyer and QFC workers to distribute union-sponsored Black Lives Matter buttons with the UFCW 21 logo. When managers banned the Union buttons, UFCW 21 filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board. Kroger’s ban and the Union response received widespread local and national attention.
(Now) Region 19 of the National Labor Relations Board has informed UFCW 21 of its finding that Fred Meyer and QFC – both Kroger companies – violated federal labor law when it prohibited workers from wearing union-sponsored Black Lives Matter buttons.
Specifically, Region 19 found merit in UFCW 21’s charges that Kroger violated the law by: 1) failing to bargain with the Union over a change in workplace conditions – in this case the practice of allowing the wearing of buttons at work; and 2) prohibiting workers from taking action together – in this case, by wearing Black Lives Matter messages – to protest racism in the workplace and in society, generally.
Region 19 will now seek a settlement agreement with Kroger, which would likely require a change to company policy. If a settlement cannot be reached, Region 19 would typically issue a formal complaint and a trial would be held before an Administrative Law Judge, whose ruling would be subject to an appeal to the NLRB in Washington D.C.
“This is very uplifting. When workers were trying to speak out through these buttons and collectively say Black Lives Matter and Kroger said to take the buttons off, that was an insult. This decision is welcome news in our work to bring attention to social and racial injustice in the workplace and in our neighborhoods”, said Sam Dancy, a Front End Supervisor at the Westwood Village QFC in West Seattle.
The union is also calling for “meaningful steps to address racial inequities in Kroger workplaces.”
SDOT‘s share of the work to prepare Delridge Way SW for the RapidRide H Line – repaving, utilities, and more – is almost done, after 15+ months. That’s the headline in the weekly preview of what’s ahead:
*Major construction is nearly complete. Minor repairs and adjustments to curbs, curb ramps, lights, and other utilities will begin soon. These are often referred to as our “punch list” items, which you may have heard about on other SDOT projects.
*Sidewalk and water utility adjustments continue in Zone A
*Upgrades in Zone B are now complete
*In Zone C, traffic signal upgrades and curb ramp adjustments continue at SW Thistle St. We expect to complete this work soon.
The full look ahead to next week is here. Meantime, King County’s share of the project continues, including 26th SW between Barton and Roxbury, and several areas in White Center
12:37 PM: Thanks for the tips about students sheltering in place at Chief Sealth International High School and adjacent Denny International Middle School; we saw one police car at the school and contacted the SPD media office. They told us, “We had reports of approximately a dozen students fighting at the football field. School went into modified lockdown. Officers responded to the area and could not locate any disturbance or anyone on the football field. Lockdown was lifted.” We also have a request out to the district for information. (4:13 pm note: Still no additional details, except the district has told us, twice, that no one was injured.)
1:12 PM: We do NOT know if it’s related but this came up in comment discussion below and is now confirmed – the scheduled Chief Sealth/West Seattle HS football game tonight, aka the Huling Bowl, has been canceled. WSHS principal Brian Vance sent this text message to families a short time ago (thanks to those who forwarded it to us):
I wanted to inform families that TONIGHT’S FOOTBALL GAME WITH CHIEF SEALTH HAS BEEN CANCELED. I do not, at this time, have all of the information regarding the cancellation and will share more as I get that information. I do know that it is not the result of anything on the WSHS side of things.
1:21 PM: CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio also confirms the game is canceled but has no comment on why. He says they’re going to try to reschedule. (The game was scheduled to be played ta Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, which is across the street from Sealth but is both schools’ home field; WSHS was to be the home team.)
5:11 PM: Denny principal Jeff Clark has sent us the letter he and Sealth principal Ray Morales have sent to families:
Dear Chief Sealth and Denny Student and Families:
We are writing to let you know about an incident that occurred at Chief Sealth today. This morning, there was a physical altercation between a group of students. Staff responded immediately, separating the students involved. Out of an abundance of caution, the campus went into a Shelter-in-Place. The Seattle Police Department was called to help make sure there were no related incidents at the athletic complex.
A Shelter-in-Place is the process of keeping students and staff safe from incidents outside the building. Exterior doors are locked, and students remain in classrooms and go about normal activities.
Please be assured that the safety of every child is our number one priority. The Chief Sealth staff will continue to engage with our students proactively with an emphasis on restorative justice to repair any needed relationship harm.
We are proud of the way students at both Chief Sealth and Denny responded to the Shelter-in-Place. Throughout the process, students respectfully followed health and safety protocols.
This evening’s Chief Sealth Football game has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a future date.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
Sincerely,
Principal Ray Morales
Chief Sealth International High SchoolPrincipal Jeff Clark
Denny International Middle School
A West Seattle man who has given to the community is now hoping he can get a helping hand.
What Scott Dolfay is dealing with is a side effect of the pandemic. In short, he was unable to evict renters who he says trashed the house he was renting to them, not only falling into arrears on rent, but refusing him access for inspection. But there’s more to the story than “aggrieved landlord.” And he’s not asking for money – he’s asking for cleanup help this weekend.
His own previous community work, in fact, involved a different kind of cleanup. We reported here four years ago on Dolfay’s ongoing work at Seola Pond, organizing restoration of a site that he described as a “de-facto community park.” With little fanfare, he managed to corral volunteer help – including local students – and donated material,
Now he’s hoping some neighbors will lend a hand at his former rental house in north Arbor Heights. Here’s what he sent us:
Our family’s only major investment, a small house first bought in 1977, was intended to support our only child, Taichi, an adopted Down syndrome young man.
As aging parents we have no extended family to care for him when we are no longer able to. Recent history has demonstrated that if we rely solely on the government to care for him he may well end up abused or worse.
Due to the unconstitutional eviction moratorium and our tenants’ abuse of it, the hope of keeping the house to fund his special needs trust is no longer an option. After cleaning up the mountain of trash, we will sell “as is.”. We received some federal compensation but nothing from the city or state (the mayor’s directive didn’t allow for even the sale of property while occupied). Yet we still have to pay property tax and utilities. Unable to evict while observing the property’s destruction, the federal payment didn’t come close to covering our losses. Please consider helping with cleaning up the aftermath.
Cleanup days: Saturday (18th) & Sunday (19th)
We will provide a limited number of N95 masks along with light-duty gloves and bottled water.
Things to bring if you can (not required):
Hand truck – wheelbarrow – weed whacker – impact driver (to remove many screws).
The “destruction,” he says, includes a skateboarding facility the tenant built in the back yard, mostly dismantled but “a lot of trash remains.”
Dolfay says that prior to this, he has been trying to get help from city officials for many months. (He also notes that he is a party in the Rental Housing Association‘s lawsuit over eviction restrictions.) He says he was asked to offer suggestions, so he did: Waive a year of property tax, pay for a year of insurance, waive the unpaid utilities for which he says he’s been targeted for collection, supply a city crew to help with cleanup. None of that happened. Eventually, he says, sometime this spring, the tenants just “abandoned the place” and he regained control of the property this summer. Now he’s proceeding with plans to sell. Anyone who can help with the cleanup can reach him at satomiscott (at) q.com.
After a few days of much-needed rain, the forecast is for sunshine to return early next week. Just in time for Dream Dinners West Seattle (WSB sponsor) to welcome you to a patio open house and fundraiser for Treehouse, which helps kids in foster care. Dream Dinners is teaming with next-door neighbor School of Rock West Seattle for the event 6-8 pm next Tuesday (September 21st), on the big open patio space out front.
Live Performance by Payge Turner from The Voice,
Enter to Win a Guitar, Enjoy a Nosh from Dream Dinners!!Did you know less than 50% of youth in foster care graduate? They need us to help them get off to a great start at school. They need us for the encouragement & confidence that comes from knowing people are out there rooting for them. We can help them cross the finish line to graduation!! Please join us in donating.
Attending the open house is free. There are two ways to support Treehouse via Dream Dinners:
1) DONATE TO OUR TREEHOUSE FUNDRAISING PAGE
2. PURCHASE DREAM DINNERS – FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES & MUCH MORE
We are offering 3 medium Family-Size meals in which each meal serves 2-3 people for $50. We will give back $10 to Treehouse to purchase more essential school supplies, school clothes, extra-curricular supplies for art, sports, musical instruments, acting, bikes and more.
PLEASE SELECT A DINNER PICK-UP DATE & TIME:
Click the link to sign up & select your 3 family-size meals.
We request 24-hour advance notice to prepare meals. Please sign up before dates below.Thursday, September 23rd from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm dreamdinners.com/session/899385
Friday, September 24th from 12 pm -1 pm dreamdinners.com/session/899386
Saturday, September 25th from 10:30 am -11:30 am https://dreamdinners.com/session/899387Guitar giveaway: Entries are free to attendees, Entries taken from 6 pm – 7 pm, One entry per guest. Must be present to win. Drawing at 7:30 pm Sept. 21st. Come Early & Good Luck!
Dream Dinners is on the outer lower level of the east side of Jefferson Square, 4701 41st SW.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Rain, and lots of it, dominates the forecast.
ROAD WORK – INCLUDING THE WEEKEND
26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW closed between Roxbury and Barton.
Delridge project – Major work’s done – we’ll get next week’s preview later today.
West Marginal this weekend – Two advisories from SDOT:
This weekend, we’ll have signal crews working on the new signal at the Duwamish Longhouse as part of the West Marginal Way SW Improvements project. We’ll begin work as soon as 5 AM and finish as early as 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to this work, we’ll be working on half of the driveway to Herring’s House Park and the Seattle Public Utilities south entrance that is located on the east side of West Marginal Way. We’ll have people assisting drivers around any partial short-term staging in the driveway, as needed. This work is anticipated to have minor traffic impacts however you may see traffic slowdowns and lane reductions in the area. When you see people working, please drive slowly, obey signs, and use caution in work zones.
We will also be working adjacent to the Duwamish trail multi-use path along WMW and will assist pedestrians and bicyclists around any partial short term blockage of the multi-use path, as needed.
ALSO
On Saturday, we will return to West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way from 6 AM to 10 AM to work on signs and pavement markings in the area. On Sunday, we’ll also be at the intersection to finish installing the vehicle detection signals on the north and west legs of the intersection. Work on Sunday is anticipated to start as early as 3 AM and finish as soon as 1 PM. Please use caution while traveling in the area.
ONE MORE WEEKEND ALERT:
Orca Half – This half-marathon will bring runners to the sidewalks and paths from Lincoln Park to Don Armeni Boat Ramp both Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 am-1 pm. Organizers say they’re not closing any roads or lanes.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules today – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule today. Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
542nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden – The camera’s back, now pointed west:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also 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.
(WSB photo, Chief Sealth with the rotating trophy after last March’s victory)
Each year, West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School – which otherwise play in different Metro League divisions – face each other in a football game known as the Huling Bowl. (If you’re a relatively new arrival, here’s the backstory.) This year, the Huling Bowl is happening twice – once last March during the delayed, shortened high-school football season, once here in the near-fall – and it’s happening tomorrow night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). The 2-0 Wildcats, coached by Jeff Scott, are the home team this year; the 0-1 Seahawks, coached by Daron Camacho, are going for their fifth consecutive Huling Bowl win. Kickoff is at 7 pm; spectators are welcome but note there’s an admission charge – $7 adults, $4 kids/seniors.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON NOTE: As reported separately, the game has been canceled, though there’s talk of rescheduling at a later date.
Gatewood Elementary dealt with an intruder early this morning, according to a message from principal Kyna Hogg to families. Thanks to the parents who forwarded us the principal’s email:
I want to share an update on an incident that occurred at our school today. This morning, we had an unknown adult enter our building before students arrived. Gatewood staff immediately notified both the Seattle Police Department and the SPS Safety and Security team. There were no students in the building at the time this occurred.
The individual stayed on campus (outside) during arrival with staff present the entire time, waiting for additional support to arrive. Students did not interact with this individual while outside.
Please know that we take safety in our building very seriously and the security and wellbeing of our students is our top concern. Our Safety and Security team is working with SPD to investigate and identify next steps. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
We asked SPD about the incident. Here’s what Det. Valerie Carson tells us: “Officers were called around 7:45 am for a woman causing a disturbance at a school and then in the area around the school. Police determined the woman needed mental health services and had her taken by private ambulance to the hospital for evaluation.” This is the second time this year Gatewood has reported an intruder on campus, after an incident in June.
A month and a half ago, we reported that New Luck Toy co-proprietor Mark Fuller had confirmed to WSB that the establishment WOULD reopen. And tonight – it just has. Here’s the announcement:
Surprise! We’re open at 5 pm tonight and serving food till 10. Bar’s open till midnight. Due to nationwide staffing shortages we’re not offering takeout or to-go at this time in order to help protect our staff from takeout burnout. (It’s a thing) So in-person dining only. New hours are 5-10 for food, bar till midnight. Wednesday-Saturday.
New Luck Toy is at 5905 California SW. It’s been closed for 10 months.
3;26 PM: A Seattle Fire “rescue extrication” response is headed for California/Hanford [map], where a two-vehicle crash – one on its side – is reported. Updates to come.
(Photo tweeted by @wattorney)
3:31 PM: SFD is downsizing the response – everyone is reported safely out of the vehicles.
(Texted photo)
3:52 PM: No major injuries – medic units were all dismissed from the call. This was on the southbound side of California so continue avoiding the area for a while. (The nearby traffic camera’s “live” image is here.)
3:56 PM: All remaining SFD units are leaving the scene.
4:16 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us that firefighters treated at the scene “a 25-year-old female and an infant who are both in stable condition and did not require transportation to a hospital.” Meantime, the road is back open.
Nine days ago, as reported here, King County announced a vaccination-verification policy for some businesses/venues was under consideration. Today, it’s official – in less than six weeks, you’ll have to show proof you’re vaccinated – or have tested negative – to dine, drink, work out, or attend entertainment events indoors, and to attend larger events outdoors. From the announcement just made public:
To protect customers and workers, preserve hospital capacity and help prevent business closures, King County will require verification of full vaccination status or a negative test to enter outdoor public events of 500 or more people and indoor entertainment and recreational establishments and events such as live music, performing arts, gyms, restaurants, and bars. The requirements will go into effect on October 25 for outdoor venues and the majority of indoor establishments; December 6 for restaurants with seating capacity for 12 and under.
With continued high levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the Delta variant, serious stress on our regional healthcare system, and concern for a significant outbreak resurgence this fall and winter, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, and community, health care, small business, and arts and culture partners joined in support of requiring verification of full vaccination or a negative test to enter certain indoor and outdoor activities and establishments.
A Health Order issued today by Public Health – Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, going into effect on October 25, will protect customers and workers through providing safer spaces, protecting our health care system, and helping prevent business closures. It will apply to:
• Outdoor events with 500 people or more – such as professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events
• Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments – such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions.
• Restaurants and bars (including indoor dining) – this does NOT apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers, and places that aren’t primarily used as a restaurant, such as grocery stores.
The order gives the option for a longer preparation period for smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or less, with an implementation date of December 6. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. It will be reviewed no later than six months after the October 25th implementation date to assess its continued need based on future outbreak conditions.
An analysis by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) conducted for King County found that the vaccine verification policy at restaurants, bars and gyms/fitness centers alone could have a significant positive impact, preventing between 17,900 and 75,900 infections, 421 and 1,760 hospitalizations and 63 and 257 deaths locally over six months with the order in place. …
Several forms of vaccination proof will be permitted under the order, including:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card.
• printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from MyIRMobile.com. (MyIR Mobile is currently limited to English language only. For language assistance, or additional help getting your records, call the Washington State Vaccine Helpline at 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357) or email waissrecords@doh.wa.gov)
• other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
The order defines full vaccination as two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after completing another approved vaccine. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required.
For people who are unvaccinated or cannot prove vaccine status, they will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, or a negative rapid test result from a testing provider conducted on site at an event or establishment just prior to entry. Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry.
Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Public Health, King County and City of Seattle will be working with partners to provide technical support and educational materials to businesses and organizations implementing the order. King County, the City of Seattle and Public Health developed the vaccine verification policy in consultation with Public Health’s Pandemic and Racism Community Advisory Group, cities, small businesses, chambers of commerce, labor unions, trade associations, sports teams, entertainment venues, community groups, faith-based leaders throughout the county to create a policy that aims to be workable, fair, and equitable for businesses and residents. …
Currently, 68% of the total King County population and 79% of eligible King County residents (those 12 years of age and up) have completed their vaccination series against COVID-19, including more than 70% of every eligible age group and all racial groups tracked by Public Health. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series.
Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County.
The announcement does not mention what if any penalties establishments/venue face if they don’t comply. A website with more about the new policy has just gone live here.
ADDED: Here’s the official order – see page 4 for exemptions (such as school sporting events).
In case you haven’t been to Lowman Beach Park since work on the shoreline-restoration project began, here’s what’s happening:
Construction fencing stretches across the entire north-south length of the park – no shore access. Through the fence, you can see crews working on the north side of the to-be-removed tennis court and seawall:
The swings, however, are still open and accessible (and are NOT part of the project zone):
McClung Construction is the contractor for the $1.2 million project, which is expected to last at least eight months.
Does your nearest street storm drain look like this …
,.. or like this?
If the latter (or worse), you have seven-plus hours of daylight left to clear it before all that forecast rain arrives tomorrow. You’ll be doing a big favor for those in and/or passing through your neighborhood – whenever you see major puddling in the street during/after a storm, invariably it’s because of a blocked storm drain.
(Sanderling, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
STATE OF THE PORT: Seattle Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck speaks to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly lunch meeting, 11:30 pm outdoors at Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor SW). Register here.
VACCINATION POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT: County and city leaders will be announcing a new policy – 1 week after saying one was in the works – at 3 pm today at a media event in Columbia City. We asked about a livestream; so far, none planned.
Canceled – done for the season PICKUP ULTIMATE: West Seattle Ultimate Frisbee‘s Thursday night pickup games have moved to 5 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th and Myrtle).
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm meeting online; participation info is in our calendar listing.
EVERY-OTHER-THURSDAY BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm at the pub (2306 California SW; WSB sponsor), hosted by Richard Moore.
Something to add to the calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us non-breaking info – thank you!
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