West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
We’re continuing our weekly updates on West Seattle and countywide COVID trends – here’s what we have this week, from the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*19 percent more cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 1,250 new daily cases countywide (up from 1,042 when we checked a week ago)
*2 percent more hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 15 new hospitalizations daily (down from 16 a week ago, the county says, though the total is slightly up)
*Same death rate countywide in the past two weeks as the two weeks before (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 2 deaths daily (same two-week average as last week)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge):
*956 cases between 5/23 and 6/6, up from 951 between 5/8 and 5/22
*9 hospitalizations between 5/23 and 6/6, down from 12 between 5/8 and 5/22
*2 deaths between 5/23 and 6/6, up from 0 between 5/8 and 5/22
VACCINATION: Boosters are recommended for everyone 5 and up. Checking vaccination rates:
*81.3 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (same as a week ago)
*86.1 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*50.1 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .4% from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, here are the zip-code vaccination rates for ages 5 and up (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not entirely within WS):
98106 – 88.3% completed initial series (same as a week earlier), 54.1% have had a booster (up .4%)
98116 – 93.2% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 65.9% have had a booster (up .4%)
98126 – 83.9% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 56% have had a booster (up .4%)
98136 – 94.1% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 69% have had a booster (up .4%)
98146 – 83.3% completed initial series (same as a week earlier), 48.7% have had a booster (up .2%)
VACCINATION AND TESTING: Two pop-up clinics for Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and families are planned in West Seattle this week, as previously announced here; otherwise, look for vaccination locations via this statewide lookup. … If you want to get tested and don’t have a kit at home, public testing sites include the city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays except holidays) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday except holidays). … If you need to report self-test results, that’s explained on this page.
That’s what the beach off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook was like this morning, shortly after the day’s lowest tide, which was “only” out to -2.0 feet. So imagine how far the water will recede when the year’s lowest tides arrive this week. Here’s what’s ahead:
Monday, June 13 – 10:37 am, -3.2 feet
Tuesday, June 14 – 11:22 am, -4.0 feet
Wednesday, June 15 – 12:09 pm, -4.3 feet
Thursday, June 16 – 12:58 pm, -4.1 feet
Friday, June 17 – 1:48 pm, -3.5 feet
Saturday, June 18 – 2:39 pm, -2.4 feet
After this, your next chance to see the shore at mega-low tide will be in mid-July, when it’ll be out to -4.0 feet on July 13th and 14th. Meantime, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation and Lincoln Parks Tuesday through Saturday this week – times vary each day, and are listed here. (And whether or not you go when naturalists are present, their program offers these guidelines for exploring the shore without doing harm.)
(Photo by Tom Reese)
One our area’s most-passionate advocates is retiring and moving away. As noted in our daily event list, a gathering Saturday in South Park was a sendoff for James Rasmussen, who’s spent 20 years with the Duwamish River Community Coalition, most recently as its Superfund Manager. from the DRCC’s announcement of his departure:
Having represented the Duwamish Tribe on the organization’s Advisory Council for 10 years before joining the staff as Executive Director/Coordinator, as a member of the Duwamish Tribal Council for 26 years, and as the founding Director of the Duwamish Tribe’s Longhouse and Cultural Center, James has been a consistent and active voice in environmental, habitat, and community issues along the Duwamish River and in the Seattle region for over 30 years. He played a fundamental role in the Environmental Protection Agency’s formation of the Duwamish Superfund Roundtable, which will inform the next phase of the Cleanup Plan, and is a beloved and legendary figure within the community as well as further afield for his great depth of knowledge of the River, its history, as well as the science of the Superfund cleanup.
James is much sought-after as a public speaker and allyship for his serene yet tireless advocacy for a clean and healthy River and River Valley. He will be missed greatly and we wish him a peaceful and satisfying retirement—as Duwamish Valley community members, we owe him a debt that can never be repaid. He has our deep gratitude for pushing policy-makers and Responsible Parties to work towards a better environment.
Rasmussen is moving to Las Vegas to be with family. With him in the photo above are, at left, DRCC executive director Paulina López and, center, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen. One month ago, when the tribe announced its legal action to secure full federal recognition, Rasmussen was among the speakers, declaring, “The recovery of the Duwamish River must include the restoration of the Duwamish Tribe.”
The photo is from Andy Carlson, who wanted to share the news that Jim Clark Marina has rare openings:
Jim Clark Marina now has moorage available on Harbor Island.
Up to 33′ slips are open now. 6 larger slips to 44′ open in September with boathouse options.
We are a nonprofit co-op community that operates our marina with DIY labor and volunteers. We keep our rates low and have ice, power, and water included,
Here’s where to go to apply.
https://www.jimclarkmarina.com/
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From the WSB inbox, two reader reports about plants to steer clear of:
FOXTAIL: J sent the photo, hoping to warn pet owners about “the dangers of foxtail grass, which is becoming more ubiquitous every spring and summer around West Seattle. The awns can embed themselves into an animal through the skin, nose, ears, or eyes, and once they are in, they can cause infection or even death. I see huge patches of foxtail right around many of our dog-friendly apartment buildings, as well as in parks and private lawns. (In early June) I spotted it all along the beachfront path at Lincoln Park. Pet owners should clear any foxtail on their private property, know to avoid it while out and about, and be able to spot the symptoms that require veterinary care. A good primer is here.” The photo is from the Lincoln Park sighting that J mentioned.
HEMLOCK: Bronwyn reports this “large patch of hemlock next to the sidewalk on the east side of 36th Ave SW on Seattle city property, Lander is the closest cross street. Neighbors often forage for blackberries here”:
Hemlock, which can be deadly, is on the “control required” list of weeds in King County – see the full list here; you can report them here.
On Saturday, as thousands rallied across the country against gun violence, the March For Our Lives events were originally supposed to include a West Seattle Junction demonstration too, but it was canceled earlier in the week. However, Anni and friends showed up anyway. She sent the photo and report today:
Our small group showed up at the WS Junction for a gun-reform rally that we didn’t know had been canceled. From 1-2 PM we crossed during the walk lights, carrying signs and chanting slogans, such as “Keep Our Children Safe”. We had a good response based on friendly thumbs-ups and horn-honking. This felt like a purposeful hour to our group, which included 5 teachers.
(Added: Camera view-screen image sent by Kersti)
10:12 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report – again today, a humpback whale is in view off West Seattle. Right now it’s traveling westbound along Alki, close to the Lighthouse, “super close” to shore.
12:33 PM: Kersti says in comments that two humpbacks are in the area. Thanks to her and everyone who’s been commenting with sighting updates below!
2:03 PM: Thanks to Renee Umeno for this short but sweet clip of a humpback as it dove off Constellation Park:
7:55 PM: Thanks to Steyn Benade of Always Local Photos for the next two images:
(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)
Here’s what’s ahead for your Sunday:
(added) TRAFFIC ALERTS: SDOT’s alerts for today:
(Continuing) Sunday, we’ll be working on a walkway extension on Sylvan Way SW between SW Holly St and Sylvan Heights Dr. This work is scheduled to begin as early as 7 AM through 5 PM on both days. Our trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway as we complete this work. Please anticipate slowdowns in the area.
On Sunday, we will be doing some maintenance work on Dumar Way SW and SW Orchard St. We will begin this work as early as 8 AM and conclude by 4 PM. There will be minimal traffic impacts; however, you may see our crews in the area.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
10U ALL-STAR BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: Tournament play continues at 9 am for 9 teams playing at West Seattle Baseball‘s PeeWee fields (lower Riverview, 7226 12th SW), as covered here Saturday.
LOW-LOW TIDE: The next string of low-low tides starts today – at 9:55 am, the tide will be out to -2 feet.
WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: Continuing today at Alki Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds), 10 am-5 pm, no admission charge, as covered here Saturday.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, find fresh food – produce, meat, fish, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and prepared food – and plants at the weekly WSFM. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
DONATION DRIVE: Food and clothing donations are being accepted today at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm.
LAST DAY: Closing day for Lika Love Boutique and In The Heart in The Junction (4547 California SW), 11 am-9 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Weekly tours are back, as reported here! First tour at 1 pm, last at 3:45; here’s how it works.
DOG PARADE: You and your dog(s) are invited to parade around The Kenney – meet at the main entrance (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) by 3 pm.
NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).
KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio (7356 35th SW) – details here.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event to list on our calendar? We update it daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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