West Seattle, Washington
22 Thursday
Look closely at the lower half of our photo from midday last Sunday and you’ll see the pink tape that has marked the perimeter of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market for months, restricting entry and exit to its south and north ends. Turns out last Sunday was its last hurrah. Market management has notified the West Seattle Junction Association that the reopening changes mean it can drop the tape – so starting this Sunday (July 4th), you’ll be able to move freely between businesses and market booths. The market will no longer require masks for entry, either. And other changes may be ahead – stand by. Throughout the pandemic, despite being an outdoor venue, the market has had to deal with tough restrictions, especially from the city, which wouldn’t even let farmers’ markets open for two months, despite the governor having designated them as “essential.”
ADDED: More from the Farmers’ Market newsletter:
In accordance with the Washington State Department of Health masking order, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask while in our markets.
-There are no longer capacity restrictions or lines to enter the market!
-Eating and drinking in the markets is allowed.
-NFM and Public Health no longer regulate touching/handling of produce handling, however, individual farm and market businesses may set their own safety requirements; please read signage at stands or ask if you’re unsure.Oh Happy Day! Music, entertainment, and market events will be returning shortly.
(SDOT photo)
That’s part of the road damage we first told you about Monday, on 36th SW near SW Oregon. SDOT says repair work starts tomorrow morning, and it’s extensive, so it could stretch across almost two weeks. Here’s the advisory:
Seattle Department of Transportation SDOT crews are planning on doing urgent pavement repairs on 36th Ave SW between SW Oregon St and SW Avalon Way. This work will begin tomorrow morning (Friday, July 2) and will potentially last as long as July 16.
This street was closed on Monday, June 28 due to severe damage caused by extreme temperatures. Crews will need to demolish, remove and replace 8 concrete panels.
Extreme heat can damage roads and bridges. Concrete pavement is designed to expand in hot temperatures and contract in the cold. During extremely hot weather events the heat can sometimes be so great that the expanding pavement has nowhere else to go but up, creating “buckles” in the road.
SDOT crews are continuing to respond to weather-related damage around the city, prioritizing needs with public safety as a top and hazardous conditions first. SDOT engineers are currently evaluating several other locations experiencing heat related distress around the city. Once we perform field assessments of the pavement conditions, we will be targeted and strategic in our approach to make the repairs prioritized based on public safety needs.
Every season brings different kinds of challenges to respond to, and SDOT crews work year-round to maintain to our roads, sidewalks, and curb ramps. For example, in 2020 SDOT crews filled 15,000 potholes but high temperatures can often cause previously repaired potholes to form again so our crews will be ready to respond and repair them again. We expect to continue seeing more pavement damage throughout the summer and expect to continue ongoing repairs over the next several months.
SDOT would like to remind everyone to be aware of these conditions and to be careful. You may see roads closed, signs or cones to warn of a hazard. Please be careful and obey all traffic control signs and devices. If you see road damage, please call 206-684-ROAD to report the conditions.
While we’re talking about fireworks … even if you don’t use them, someone else might set them off near your house or apartment. On the Fourth of July last year, fireworks sparked a large fire at the foot of Gatewood Hill:
(WSB photo from 7/4/2020)
That was a photo we took from our car as we happened onto the scene shortly after the fire at California/Myrtle had started, even before SFD arrived. The memory is fresh for local firefighters, too. We asked the Seattle Fire Department about prevention advice – in addition to “Don’t use fireworks” – and here’s what SFD public educator William Mace offered:
Every year, the personal use of fireworks cause fires and injures people in the Seattle area. Last year, the Seattle Fire Department responded to 16 fireworks-related fires including two structure fires. One significant fire happened on July 4, 2020 in West Seattle where fireworks ignited dry brush in front of a four-story apartment building which then quickly extended to the top floor balcony.
(7/4/2020 photo by Rick Cook)
Fortunately, no one was injured, but several residents were displaced and the total estimated loss was $100,000.
The recent hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk for dry grass, bark, and brush fires. A firework can easily start a fire in these conditions.
Here are ways to reduce fires caused by fireworks near your home:
Remove branches, dry grass and anything that can burn from around your home.
Make sure tree branches are not touching your home.
Clear roof and gutters of evergreen needles and leaves.
Don’t leave cardboard or loose paper recyclables outside – make sure they are in a closed bin.
Keep a garden hose with nozzle hooked up and ready to use.
Also, make sure smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button.If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.
Two years ago, in unincorporated King County, a fireworks user started a two-house fire that killed a man.
(Reader photo, 2020, fireworks debris at a local park – one that did NOT have lights on)
Every year, Seattle Parks announces it’s keeping lights on for a few hours on the night of July 3rd and 4th at certain locations to try to deter fireworks use. It’s just announced this year’s list. Lights will go on around 8:30 pm and off at 11 pm this Saturday and Sunday at locations including these in West Seattle:
Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW
The Parks announcement notes that fireworks, among other things, destroy artificial turf, which would cost more than a million dollars to replace on a full-size field. Also noted: “The fields will be monitored by security from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.”
P.S. We’re checking with other jurisdictions with local parks/sports facilities to find out about their deterrence plans, if any.
(Photo from spl.org)
The last Seattle Public Library branch in our area to reopen for in-building services will do so next Tuesday – the West Seattle (Admiral) Library at 2326 42nd SW will reopen July 6th. SPL is announcing some systemwide changes too. From the announcement:
In light of Washington state’s move to full reopening on June 30, the Library is making other changes: All reopened locations will be open at 100% capacity, will not require physical distancing, and will reintroduce additional computer stations and seating. However, for now, mask requirements remain in place for all City of Seattle buildings, including libraries. …
Thanks to $1.1 million in funding from the City’s Seattle Rescue Plan, the Library anticipates returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels to support the reopening of all locations and the expansion of open hours. With this funding, the Library can work toward full reopening throughout the summer to support Seattle’s children returning to in-person school this fall.
The announcement also notes: “Meeting rooms, study rooms, and in-person programs are not yet available at reopened Library locations.” Hours/days/services for all locations can be found here.
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor – Renewal Organizing. Businesses who join the WSB sponsor team get the opportunity to tell you about what they do – here’s what Renewal Organizing would like you to know:
Renewal Organizing offers our clients a shame-free approach to solving their organizing challenges. We specialize in helping chronically disorganized clients, as well as moves, downsizing, senior move management (such as moves into Assisted Living care facilities), and other specialty organizational needs. Renewal Organizing can help with hands-on organizing for any space in your home – whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen, kitchen pantry, or basement. Owner Ellen Sklanka and her crew can also help get you started with relocation and moving projects. They also offer do-it-yourself packages for people who are looking for a plan to jumpstart their organizing. No matter which plan you choose, Ellen will personalize it to fit your needs.
Clients have called their experience with Ellen life-changing. They’ve also said her patience and attention to detail made the project go faster.
Your home should be a place of tranquility for you – somewhere where you can relax and enjoy time with loved ones. Sometimes, our “stuff” can get in the way of our tranquility. Renewal Organizing can help! Whether your space has been taken over by a project, or paper, or even treasures, we can work together to bring your home into balance. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or want it done for you, our individualized approach keeps you and your goals front-and-center as we make a plan especially for you. Also, we are members of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) and NASMM (National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers).
You can contact Renewal Organizing online here, or by phone at 206-665-0255.
We thank Renewal Organizing for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(Photo by Machel Spence)
What’s happening in the hours ahead:
SOUND TRANSIT REALIGNMENT: Board members’ discussion continues at the Executive Committee meeting that is just getting under way (10:30 am-noon) – attendance information is on the agenda.
WADING POOL & SPRAYPARK: Open today – Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, and Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
DEMONSTRATION: Organizer Scott‘s twice-weekly sign-waving for racial justice continues, 4-6 pm on the corners at 16th/Holden.
9208 20TH SW DESIGN REVIEW: The 77-apartment mixed-use building planned to replace a former auto shop (formerly at the address 9201 Delridge Way) goes to the Southwest Design Review Board tonight at 5 pm online. Our preview includes the design packet and attendance/commenting information.
SFD is about to dismiss most of the units that responded to a fire reported in the 2200 block of 37th SW. The fire, in the basement, is already extinguished, “(put) out by occupant.” 37th/Admiral is blocked by the response until all are cleared.
10:15 AM: Two notes that aren’t West Seattle, but aren’t far: The procession preceding the 1 pm T-Mobile Park memorial service for Seattle Police Officer Lexi Harris will affect traffic from Burien to SODO (the route will primarily be via I-5, not 509). Also, WSDOT crews are doing emergency work that has two lanes of southbound I-5 closed just before S. Forest Street.
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6:03 AM: Good morning, The Fourth of July is getting closer. After a day of normal weather, today’s forecast is even a bit on the cool side, starting off with some clouds.
ROAD ALERTS
Delridge project – Station work as well as road work continues in this week’s Delridge-and-vicinity plan.
35th/Graham – Work continues here too, for the intersection’s signalized transformation.
FERRIES/BUSES
Regular schedule for buses and ferries. WSF has announced that the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will run two boats on Sundays starting this weekend. Holiday preview: Limited West Seattle Water Taxi service Monday (July 5th). Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
465th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 25th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)
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 draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. (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.
You might have seen regional-news reports about more than a dozen arrests today in what federal agents describe as “an investigation involving armed drug trafficking.” We’ve learned that one of the warrants was served in West Seattle. A reader told us a major law-enforcement response including federal agents and local officers had been at her apartment building near Westwood Village early today. We didn’t get an address but did confirm with authorities that one of the search warrants involved today was for an address on SW Barton. We don’t know yet if an arrest resulted at that location; the court documents made public so far don’t match addresses to names. In all, the U.S. Attorney’s Office says 12 people were arrested today in King and Pierce counties, indicted for alleged drug-distribution conspiracy. Its announcement adds, “Today alone officers seized 48 guns, 2 kilograms of cocaine, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, several thousand fentanyl pills and two illegal marijuana grows. An additional $120,000 cash was also seized.” Agencies participating in the raids included FBI, DEA, Seattle Police, HSI, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, King County Sheriff’s Office, Valley SWAT, Kent Police Department, ATF, and Narcotics/Currency/Firearms K9 support from seven agencies.
If you can donate blood, now’s the time. You can even set an appointment for upcoming West Seattle pop-ups, to donate without leaving the peninsula. Here’s the message Bloodworks Northwest asked us to share:
Transfusion rates are 10% higher than normal due to hospitals catching up on a backlog of procedures from COVID. Meanwhile, our community blood supply is at precarious levels due to the PNW heatwave which caused many donors to cancel or no-show to appointments. Additionally some donation sites had to close due to A/C in the room not being able to keep up with the extreme outside temperatures.
Now, more than ever, we need to be community-ready and strengthen our blood supply. Every person can do more this summer for our community. With every donation, we can save more lives in our community. Join us by donating blood every time you’re eligible to give and learn more about how you can win incredible prizes at savemorelivesgiveblood.org (fill out form to enter).
When you donate during the month of July, you will automatically be entered to win a Peloton Bike! More info HERE.
Masks and appointments are required. Please sign up NOW at one of these West Seattle locations/dates!
Our Lady of Guadalupe (7000 35th Ave SW) in the gym on July 6, 7, 8 and Aug 30 & 31
Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor Ave SW) in the Alki Room on Aug 3, 4, 10, 11 and Sept 7 & 8.
Please sign up HERE.
6:22 PM: Just heard on emergency radio, West Marginal Way SW is being closed between Highland Park Way and Spokene Street. The SFD 911 log has a “wires down” call. Working on more info.
6:57 PM: Per radio communication, a tree brought down wires. (Added: See the City Light truck in the background of our photo.)
Westbound traffic is backed up south of the closure.
7:18 PM: West Marginal is open again.
8:21 PM: More info – and something you should know if you were forced to detour onto the low bridge during the closure – in this note we received from the Southwest Precinct‘s Sgt. Ron Hylton:
A large tree fell across three lanes of travel and the tree was being held up by live power lines that spanned all lanes of travel. Unfortunately I was forced to shut the roadway down in both directions in order to keep the public safe. Seattle City light, SDOT, SRT, Parking Enforcement, and Seattle Police Patrol Officers responded to the scene quickly. I understand that several roadways and bridges are blocked/unusable currently and that is causing some headaches for the public of West Seattle (and surrounding areas) and shutting down a major roadway was not something I did lightly. However, for the safety of the public, I felt it was absolutely necessary to shut it down completely.
Another problem is that several vehicles had no other place to go other than the lower Spokane St. Bridge. That bridge is photo enforced…. I have emailed the photo enforcement office of SPD and asked that no citations be issued to drivers that were forced to use the bridge for this incident. I also put an update on the call that drivers should not be cited for using the bridge as they had no other route to travel due to the closure. If you receive complaints from drivers that were forced to use the lower bridge hopefully this email will assist them in fighting the citation. Please have them refer to incident number 21-164025 to verify the date/time of the closure to W. Marginal. WY SW.
We apologize for any issues the road closure may have caused and assure you that it was absolutely necessary for the safety of the public.
(Early Tuesday photo by David Hutchinson)
3:35 PM: Seattle Police have announced a 19-year-old man is in custody for investigation of homicide, suspected in the Monday night shooting that killed one person and injured three on Alki (WSB coverage here). The update on SPD Blotter says the suspect actually was arrested “several hours after” the shooting, though SPD told us yesterday afternoon there were no new developments. Working on more details, which we’ll add as we get them.
4 PM: The jail roster shows the suspect was booked around 9 am yesterday. So far the only thing we’ve found on his record is an arrest last November for allegedly threatening to shoot a cousin at their mutual great-grandmother’s house in Seattle’s Judkins Park area. The police report from that case shows a Des Moines address for the suspect (added: today’s court documents confirm that).
4:37 PM: A bit more information from the probable-cause documents just received from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. First: The suspect is the person we mentioned in our original coverage as having been detained at the hospital after one of the shooting victims was taken there in a private vehicle. Police say that where the suspect was sitting in that car, they found “two semi-automatic handguns.” Also in the court document: One of the shooting survivors, who had a gunshot wound to the leg, told police the gunfire was preceded by “a dispute over fireworks.”
10:13 PM: The victim’s family identifies him as Tilorae Shepherd, 22, of Federal Way, and is crowdfunding for funeral expenses.
(Photos courtesy Kersti Muul)
For most of us, this week’s record heat was mostly a matter of discomfort. For some – it was deadly. At least two people lost their lives in King County. And there was a wildlife toll. We’ve learned that on a rooftop near the Duwamish River – the heat killed more than 100 baby birds, Caspian Terns and Gulls. The report comes from West Seattle wildlife advocate Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch.
Even if you don’t know Caspian Terns on sight, you’ve probably heard them – they have a distinctive guttural call that resounds as they fly over the peninsula to the nesting spot where an overheated roof led to the chicks’ deaths. The spot is atop a vacant building on Port of Seattle property on the eastern shore of the Duwamish River. Kersti explains, “This colony is a fragment of a very large colony that was dispersed from Destruction Island [off the Olympic Peninsula coast]. They took up residence here because the cement factory puts out dust that they look at as ‘sand’ and it’s by a river, etc.” But the roof got so hot, they either overheated or else died trying to fly/jump off it.
Kersti’s been involved in rescue efforts for three days now. She says some have been saved and taken to PAWS – the regional wildlife rehab center – but some had to be euthanized, and some died on the way. “It is a very sad scene.” She is raising money for PAWS to handle this and other rescues – you can donate here or via PAWS’ website.
(WSB photo, last week – Lowman Beach tennis court and swing set)
About 50 people showed up online Tuesday evening for the third meeting about a possible racket-sport court for Lowman Beach Park once the current one is removed along with the failing seawall nearby. Here’s what it boiled down to: Seattle Parks says it’s open to the idea of a pickleball court in currently open space on the south side of the park, but not another tennis court. And Parks doesn’t have money for any added features, so if a pickleball court is proposed and approved, the estimated $450,000 cost would have to be covered by a community fundraising campaign. A community group, the Seattle Sports Complex Foundation, got a grant to cover the cost of the process up to this point, working with HBB Landscape Architecture on concepts, but as was made clear last night, this meeting marked the end of that process. Furthermore, Kliment said Parks’ approval wasn’t guaranteed if this community group or someone else decided to pursue the pickleball option – just that Parks isn’t opposed to it, as long as it wouldn’t require removal of the park’s popular swing set, but Parks is opposed to a new tennis court. So now the ball is in community advocates’ court, so to speak. As for how much longer the current court will be available, the removal project (also grant-funded) is out to bid right now and expected to start later this summer. As explained in a separate series of public meetings, it will result in beach restoration and Pelly Creek daylighting.
P.S. Parks says it’ll post video of last night’s meeting on this page soon – we’ll add that link here when it’s available.
(WSB photos)
Here’s a place where Reopening Day is also Grand Opening Day. In our photo above is the team at West Seattle’s new vehicle/vessel licensing office, right after they cut the ribbon to officially open the new office on the north side of Westwood Village. The grand opening ends a year and a half without a licensing office in West Seattle, and comes eight months after we first reported a new licensing sub-agent would open the office (Randy Lais, at right in photo above, holding the banner, who also has a licensing office in Port Orchard).
(The newly remodeled space previously held a liquor store.) Seattle Auto Licensing, Inc. will be open 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Fridays, 10 am-2 pm Saturdays, but there are two changes in the days ahead: This Saturday (July 3rd) all licensing offices around the state will close at 1 pm for a statewide system upgrade; Monday, the office will be closed for this year’s official Independence Day observance. As noted in our preview last week, they’re temporarily accepting only checks/cash.
We’ll be publishing reopening news as we get it (westseattleblog@gmail.com if/when your business/organization announces changes) – among the first announcements in, transit systems around Puget Sound have sent word that they’re returning to full capacity. Here’s the news release, with dates for the systems operating in or near West Seattle:
Riders soon will have more public transportation options as buses, trains and ferries in the Puget Sound region are returning to full capacity and opening all seats starting in July.
Governor Inslee is dropping state social distancing restrictions for transit as part of his decision to reopen the state. As vaccination rates continue to climb in the Puget Sound region and other state restrictions are relaxed, even more people are expected to use transit this summer.
Passengers still must wear masks on transit and at indoor transit facilities in compliance with the federal Transportation Security Administration mandate. Passengers also must continue to maintain a six-foot distance from bus drivers, except when paying fare.
The following agencies are removing signs or barriers that have blocked off seats during the pandemic: Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries.
[From that list, here are local-to-our-area dates]
Starting Saturday, July 3, normal passenger capacity will resume on Metro buses, on-demand services such as Via to Transit, Seattle Streetcar, water taxis, community vans and shuttles, vanpools, and Access paratransit.
Starting July 3, normal passenger capacity will resume on Link light rail and ST Express bus routes operated by King County Metro (Routes 522, 542, 545, 550 and 554). On Sounder, Tacoma Link and all other ST Express routes, normal capacity will resume starting July 1.
Starting July 1, normal passenger capacity will resume on ferries, and customers will no longer be encouraged to stay in their vehicles.
(WSB file photo)
American flags will fly along the streets in the heart of the West Seattle Junction on the Fourth of July, this Sunday – and you can be part of the volunteer power! Here’s how:
It’s another flag event Sunday, July 4th – this time we’re flying the Stars and Stripes in the Junction – with an additional 20 flags (that’ll make 60) thanks to the generosity of the folks who funded a flag (new in 2021). The funders will have plaques affixed to their flags showing their support of the program.
Volunteers always welcome too! Folks can sign up through the volunteer form for updates. Or they can simply show up! We’ll always meet at Cupcake Royale at 8:30 AM and again at 4 PM to place and remove the flags.
Despite the heat, Cub Scout Pack 799 from Arbor Heights made good on their door-to-door food-drive pickup promise this past weekend. Here are photos and the wrapup report:
Cub Scout Pack 799 completed our food drive this past Saturday, collecting 1,446 pounds of nutritious and/or necessary household donations for West Seattle Food Bank.
The heat was already building Saturday morning, but Scouts started early, braved it, and did a great job collecting from all their fantastic neighbors who continue to support our diverse and growing West Seattle community. Thanks, West Seattle, for your tireless acts of kindness.
For those that missed our drive, and still want to help, consider volunteering at the White Center Food Bank
6:03 AM: Good morning, Might be almost seasonal today, with the forecast suggesting we might even stay in the 70s. Here’s a Tuesday sunset view from Lynn Hall:
ROAD ALERTS
Buckled pavement – Repairs on West Marginal Way north of Highland Park Way might stretch into this morning’s commute hours. (UPDATE: Complete before 9 am, says SDOT.)
Delridge project – Station work as well as road work is in this week’s Delridge-and-vicinity plan.
FERRIES/BUSES
Regular schedule for buses and ferries. WSF has announced that the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will run two boats on Sundays starting this weekend. Holiday preview: Limited West Seattle Water Taxi service Monday (July 5th).
Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
464th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 25th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)
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 draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. (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.
This is it – our final daily roundup, 16 months after our first one. We’ll move to weekly Friday night updates for now. But first, the Tuesday news, on Reopening Eve:
GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT: No in-person statement from Gov. Jay Inslee, but we and other media received this:
Washington has come a long way since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country was found in our state January 2020, and that is in no small part due to Washingtonians’ dedication and resilience in protecting themselves and their communities throughout the pandemic.
Because folks listened to science and stayed home to stay healthy, wore masks, and got vaccinated, we can now safely fully re-open our state’s economy and cultural centers after 15 long months. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how Washingtonians came together, persevered and sacrificed to fight this virus, and now we’re finally in a place that is safe enough to end this chapter.
Even though Wednesday marks a new stage in our continued efforts to defeat this pandemic, we still have work to do. Continued success depends on everyone getting vaccinated and encouraging any loved one who has not yet received this lifesaving vaccine to do so, and quickly. Let’s keep it up, Washington – get vaccinated and stay safe.
BRIEFING TOMORROW: State health officials are still having their weekly media briefing on Reopening Day – this time, 2:15 pm Wednesday. You can watch live here.
NEWEST NUMBERS: Checking the daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health:
*112,514 people have tested positive, 34 new since yesterday
*1,657 people have died, unchanged since Saturday
*6,502 people have been hospitalized, 6 more than yesterday
One week ago, the totals were 111,757/1,618/6,314.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 181.8 million cases worldwide, 33.6 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.
MASK DIRECTIVE LIFTED: King County has ended the recommendation – but that does NOT mean you can’t or won’t be asked to wear a mask at a business, institution, etc., so keep one handy.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
That’s 9208 20th SW, formerly 9201 Delridge Way SW, which goes back to the Southwest Design Review Board for an online meeting at 5 pm Thursday (July 1st). That meeting will include the opportunity for public comment on the design of the project, which would replace a former auto shop with what the project page on the city website describes as “a 5-story, 77-unit apartment building with 73 apartments, 4 small efficiency dwelling units, and office.” No offstreet vehicle parking is planned. See the meeting design packet here. This is potentially the final review meeting for the revised project; the previous one was last October (WSB coverage here). Under a different architect/ownership team, and before a zoning change, the site originally was planned for redevelopment as a self-storage building. Thursday’s SWDRB meeting will be accessible via a video link and dial-in number that you can find on the official notice, which also explains how to send written comments in advance.
Our photo shows a Seattle Police car we saw at Alki Beach early this evening, as the first night after a shooting that killed one person and put three others in the hospital (WSB coverage here). No new developments in the investigation today, SPD tells us. We asked Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman about the plan for police presence in the days/nights ahead. Here is his reply:
I have requested that the SPD Community Response Group (CRG) increase its presence on Alki on weekday afternoons and evenings, and as we have been doing on the weekends, we will have on-duty officers from the Southwest Precinct assist the Parks Department on the weekdays in encouraging beach fires to be extinguished by 9:30 pm and in closing the beach at 11:30 pm.
We constantly attempt to match resources with predicted needs, which is why we have emphasis patrols on Alki on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This year, an additional challenge is the reduced police staffing citywide — to include the Southwest Precinct — combined with a rise in gun violence across the city. We want to staff events and areas appropriately, which means utilizing the right amount of police resources for potential hotspots while maintaining sufficient staffing to answer 911 calls.
The man killed last night – whose identity we do not yet know – was the fourth homicide victim in Seattle in a week noted on SPD Blotter. As for police staffing, we’ve been reporting on that for months – here’s some local information and discussion from a report back in January. There have been some major shows of force at Alki, though, most notably one month ago, on the night a crowd estimated at thousands thronged the beach for a party organized via social media (WSB coverage here) and the night after.
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