Public Health reports E. coli outbreak likely linked to PCC West Seattle guacamole from one February date

| Health | Safety | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip. Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting a recent E. coli outbreak linked to PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor). Here’s what the notice posted on the PHSKC website says:

Public Health is investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 (also known as STEC). Three of the five people who got sick had testing that matched by genetic fingerprinting. This means they most likely got sick from the same source.

Based on information collected, we found one common source for all sick people, which was a store-made guacamole purchased at PCC Community Markets – West Seattle Co-op on February 10, 2024. Even though we think this is the most likely source of illness, we do not know for certain. We did not find out how the guacamole might have been contaminated with STEC and did not have any left to test.

This outbreak appears to be over.

The Public Health report says the five people got sick between February 14 and February 28 and all had gastrointestinal symptoms. None were employees. The agency adds these details:

Four people who became sick had testing that was positive for STEC O157:H7. Three people also had further testing showing they matched by whole genome sequencing or WGS (like genetic fingerprinting) at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. One person who became sick did not have any testing done.

Public Health also subsequently visited the store last Friday (March 15) to review rules and prevention strategies. We contacted PCC and they pointed us to this announcement on their website’s “recalls” page. It reiterates the PHSKC information about the outbreak and adds:

PCC has fully cooperated with Public Health. West Seattle PCC temporarily ceased all production of guacamole, conducted a deep cleaning of food production areas, and reinforced safe food handling procedures with our staff.

We are so sorry to those impacted by this unfortunate incident. At PCC, we believe in providing open information and responding swiftly if a food safety concern arises. We hold ourselves to a higher standard and know we are trusted in our region for our high quality standards.

As a leader in fostering and promoting healthy, resilient and sustainable food systems, the co-op makes these commitments to our staff, members and customers:

Prioritize and educate: Food safety is top of mind for all of us at PCC — from our staff, food handlers and certified food safety managers at each neighborhood PCC store, to the leaders of our supplier approval process, right up to the co-op’s leadership team.

Teamwork:Every role at the co-op is important to strengthening PCC’s food safety culture. We work collaboratively across all departments, so team members understand how they impact food safety and quality, as well as how they can reduce food safety risks.

Excellence: PCC works with local, state and federal health agencies to ensure that we meet and exceed safety compliance standards.

Continuous improvement: We regularly review our food safety program, procedures, processes, tools, and technology to ensure support and resources to effectively and efficiently manage food safety risks.

Listen deeply: Finally, we will continue to listen deeply to our staff, co-op members and customers when a concern about food safety arises.

You may learn more about recall protocols here. All shoppers can sign up to receive recall notifications here.

We asked a PCC spokesperson if they’re certain no one has this still in their fridge: “As indicated by Public Health, the one common source for all sick people was store-made guacamole purchased on February 10. Given the short shelf life, it is unlikely that any shoppers have this guacamole (still).” But if anyone hearing about this thinks they might have gotten sick too, they should contact Public Health.

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FOLLOWUP: How did that driver end up in the water off Alki Avenue last weekend? Here are some answers

March 21, 2024 5:44 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Saturday evening photo by Robert Spears – car wasn’t removed until Sunday morning)

Last weekend, that car remained in the water off Duwamish Head, in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue, for 34 hours following a one-car crash we told you about early Saturday. The 22-year-old driver, unhurt, was arrested for DUI, according to police. The question remained: How/why did he drive into the water? We’ve obtained the early version of the collision report. According to the narrative written by police, the driver was headed east/northbound at the time, so he crossed both directions of Alki Avenue before going over the curb and into the water. Here’s what the narrative says:

Multiple witnesses standing on Alki beach pier saw [vehicle] driving EB, struck the WB curb, rolled 2-3 times over the grass/trail, and then plunged into the water. The paths and side mirror and damage to curb correlate witnesses’ statements. … 2 witnesses [in a nearby building] saw car go over curb, rolled/spinned 360, then went into water.

The narrative also summarizes what the driver told police:

[Driver] said he drank two beers, drove down Alki, lost control of his car, hit the curb, and went into the water.

The driver is a Burien resident, according to the report. So far he has not been cited nor charged in this incident (or any others). We asked Seattle Parks earlier this week if the crash did any significant damage to the seawall or beach that would have to be repaired; they said no.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s the asking price for building with former Admiral Wells Fargo and more

March 21, 2024 4:05 pm

| 22 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That photo texted by a reader shows ATM-decommissioning work today at the former Admiral Wells Fargo branch, which permanently closed at midday Wednesday. The building that includes the ex-bank (2358 California SW) and other businesses (stretching to Hoste on the north end) is now officially listed for sale; CBRE is the listing firm, and $7.65 million is the asking price. Signage will be up next week, we’re told, but they’re expecting this to go relatively quickly. For those who have asked, the 25,000-square-foot parcel is zoned for mixed-use development up to 75 feet (~7 stories), as are the parcels on the other three corners of the Admiral/California intersection.

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UPDATE: Two incidents happening now, one with helicopter

March 21, 2024 3:51 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:51 PM – First: The Guardian One helicopter is just east of Highland Park because of a reported vehicle theft “in progress” in the 8400 block of 1st Avenue South, at or near the tow yard there, across from the 1st/Cloverdale encampment. The vehicle is described as a green 1997 Nissan pickup. The helicopter was not specifically dispatched for this call – it happened to be up and heard the radio traffic and offered assistance.

Second, for those who have asked: There was a sizable emergency response on the Alki Point end of Admiral Way for a medical call described as a suspected overdose. We don’t have an update on the patient.

4:48 PM: Update on the first incident – the helicopter wasn’t in the area for long, and couldn’t locate the stolen pickup. According to police radio, the owner has spotted his truck in the area again, and requested police assistance.

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READER REPORT: Clothing found, possibly stolen/dumped

March 21, 2024 2:57 pm

| Comments Off on READER REPORT: Clothing found, possibly stolen/dumped

| Seaview | West Seattle news

Any of this look familiar? Suzanne sent the photo and report:

Found: Many clothing items belonging to (probably) teen girl, neatly packed in white plastic bag. The photo shows just a few of the many items in the bag.

Bag was on the ground in an alley in the Seaview neighborhood. All of the items were neatly folded as if packed for moving. Items were damp from rain so the bag has been outside for at least a week. I’ve put them in my garage for safekeeping for now. Really hoping they find their way back to their rightful person.

If it’s yours, email us and we’ll connect you.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Mission Cantina reopening with new owners

March 21, 2024 12:01 pm

| 23 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

12:01 PM: One month after Mission Cantina closed at 2325 California SW after 19 years, it has new owners who plan to reopen the restaurant/bar soon. Here’s the announcement we received a short time ago:

Mission Cantina, a cherished Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of West Seattle, is excited to share that we will be reopening soon.

The Admiral treasure, founded by Peter Morse and others over 19 years ago has operated for the past decade under the leadership of Peter Morse, Shawn Padilla, and Tina Schlotfeldt Padilla, will re-open and continue to operate under the ownership of West Seattle couple Gina Topp and Ben Johnson.

For 19 incredible years, Mission Cantina has been an integral part of the West Seattle community. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a cornerstone of cherished memories and cherished moments. From family dinners and community events to first dates and milestone celebrations, Mission Cantina has been there, woven into the fabric of our lives.

“We couldn’t bear the thought of saying ‘adios’ to this beloved establishment that has meant so much to our family, and we’re incredibly grateful to the previous owners, Peter, Shawn, and Tina, for allowing us to take on Mission’s next chapter. Their vision, passion, and dedication have built an irreplaceable community asset, and we are honored to be its new stewards. It’s truly a testament to the enduring spirit of our community and commitment to preserving the traditions and memories that make West Seattle unique that we are able to re-open Mission Cantina,” said Gina Topp and Ben Johnson.

Please stay tuned for more details on our grand re-opening.

The restaurant/bar had been listed for sale for a while before the closure announcement. You might recognize new co-owner Topp’s name – she is also the recently elected Seattle Public Schools board representative for West Seattle and most of South Park.

1:29 PM: We sent Topp two followup questions. First, about the new owners’ restaurant experience: “Neither Ben nor I have direct experience in the restaurant industry. However, before finalizing the purchase, we curated a strong team. We have a consultant who owns multiple WS/Burien restaurants, along with a seasoned general manager. We will rely on their expertise and guidance.” Second, any major changes planned? “Although there will be some updates and fine-tuning, our primary objective is to maintain the community asset that is Mission Cantina.”

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT reiterates it’s building Alki Point Healthy Street as designed, soon

March 21, 2024 11:56 am

| 91 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Despite the latest round of community concern, SDOT has reiterated that the final Alki Point Healthy Street design will be built, as first reported here last December.

In a reminder email sent Wednesday to those who had previously signed up for the project mailing list, SDOT’s project team recapped the design announced last winter, including some parking removal, and confirmed to WSB this morning that nothing has changed since the winter update. For example, here’s how the Beach Drive section north/west of 64th works now:

And here’s what it’ll be changed to:

All the cross-section renderings remain available on the Alki Point Healthy Street webpage. The last point of clarification we’ve been seeking from SDOT is how soon construction will start – Wednesday’s email to the list simply said “spring,” which could be any time in the next three months. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson told WSB this morning that it’s not imminent but won’t have to go out to bid: “This will be an SDOT crew-delivered project. We have not scheduled the exact date yet, and are currently working to determine the schedule. It will likely be in the next few months, depending on crew availability.”

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s first soccer win of the season

March 21, 2024 11:26 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photo by Brandon Faloona)

Thanks to the reader who sent the report on the West Seattle High School boys’ soccer team’s win over Nathan Hale on Wednesday, 2-1, five days after a 5-0 loss to the same team. While that loss was at home, Wednesday’s win was on the road; the reader says, “Freshman Noah Ott (#13) scored the game-winner in the second half for West Seattle and was swarmed by his teammates at the final whistle.” The photo above shows that winning goal, a header. According to the Metro League website, this was the first win of the just-underway spring season, and the boys are now 1-1-2, with their next game at 4 pm tomorrow (Friday), at home at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle) vs. Bishop Blanchet.

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City councilmember @ Alki Community Council, West Seattle Timebank, more on the list for your Thursday

March 21, 2024 10:11 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Varied Thrush, photographed by Jay Speidell)

Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.

FREE FISH TACO: Duke’s Seafood on Alki (2516 Alki Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) continues celebrating its reopening with a new offer – free fish taco this week with any entree. Open 11 am-10 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Wine bar and tasting room open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s (corrected) Tandem.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: New time – 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

MEET THE WINEMAKER: 5-7 pm, Celler Pardas visits Sebastiano’s Natural Wines (3278 California SW).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Gathering at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.

BOEING FIELD INFO: The King County International Airport Community Coalition presents its annual report at the Duwamish River Community Hub, 6:30 pm. (14th Ave. S. & S. Cloverdale, South Park)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka is the spotlight guest at this month’s ACC meeting, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ORCAS: Whales off West Seattle

March 21, 2024 9:22 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Jan Pendergrass for the photo. Orcas are back in the area today – seen off Duwamish Head as well as southbound off west-facing West Seattle – so if you have a water view, keep an eye out!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info, with East Marginal update

March 21, 2024 6:01 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:55 AM: Texter reports Sylvan Way crash.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 21.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly cloudy, rain at times, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:08 am, sunset at 7:24 pm.

EAST MARGINAL PROJECT UPDATE

From SDOT:

Last week, we started moving materials and equipment onto the project site to prepare for the start of major construction in the coming weeks. This week, we are starting early work at S Horton St that includes railroad track removal, locating utility lines, and starting storm drain work. To complete this work, S Horton St between E Marginal Way S and SR 99 is closed and a detour is in place. For more information about the project and what to expect during construction, please visit the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project website.

That’s where you’ll find full details, including maps, of closures and detours.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!

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