West Seattle, Washington

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Coronavirus 1341 results

HOW TO HELP: A daughter’s idea for showing support for Bridge Park residents
March 19, 2020 2:54 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | High Point | West Seattle news

Michele published much of this as a comment on our most-recent report about another coronavirus case at Bridge Park in High Point. Today she emailed and asked if we would post it separately:

You’ve been reading about the 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in WS at the Bridge Park Senior living apartments. My mom is an 84 year old resident at Bridge Park. She has lived there two years, and it has been the most amazing home we could ever hope for her to enjoy. The staff is caring and wonderful in every way Bridge Park is an active independent living complex for seniors; it’s not assisted living or a skilled nursing facility.

The days at Bridge Park used to include three meals a day in the community dining room, daily bus trips to the mall, the junction and Westside. They had weekly social outings. They played cards and board games every night. They had exercise classes, lectures from UW professors, a traveling bean bag team, themed parties and just plain fun. They are now quarantined to their apartments 24/7. Many of the residents are widowed and live alone. Many don’t have family in close proximity.

This is a tragic time we are in now and the current confirmed cases at Bridge Park are unsettling. That being said I feel confident they are doing everything possible to keep the residents safe, healthy and informed. They’ve also been very good in communicating to the families.

I was standing in the Bridge Park parking lot talking to my mom as she stood on her balcony. It was nice to see her in person and see her smiling face while keeping precautions and distance. Many other residents came out on their balconies when they heard us talking. It was nice to see residents smiles and made me realize how lonely many of them must be during this quarantine. I’d love to be able to provide them some entertainment for them to enjoy from their balconies…anyone play the guitar/sing?? Obviously couldn’t be a group or band. Maybe kids could do some chalk art on the sidewalks surrounding Bridge Park?

Please don’t send groups or congregate in the area. Just putting ideas out there to bring some joy to your quarantined senior West Seattle neighbors!

Lots of room to even just walk by and wave … the complex’s address is 3204 SW Morgan, but it has units fronting on public sidewalk on 2 sides – Morgan west of Lanham, Lanham north of Morgan.

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RESTAURANTS & BEVERAGE BUSINESSES: Still updating our list! Plus, new West Seattle Junction directory
March 19, 2020 2:00 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)

That’s one of the new official temporary food-pickup zones set up by the city – this one’s in the 3200 block of California SW by Srivilai Thai, one of the 110+ restaurants and beverage businesses (coffee, wine, beer, etc.) on the list we launched Monday (see it here, or find it in our navigation menu, RESTAURANT LIST). We want to let you know we are still updating the list – adding businesses as we hear from them, updating their status when we get word it’s changed (a few have closed after a few days of trying takeout-only, for example). Whether you’re a proprietor or a customer, we appreciate the help in getting updates – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.

We also wanted to share the news that the West Seattle Junction Association has published a list of what its food/beverage businesses – and some other retailers – are doing: Find it here! If you’re on foot in The Junction, you’ll also see posters with pickup/delivery info, and lots of quick-pickup parking.

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SCHOOL’S OUT: Teachers, volunteers scramble to save tanks full of salmon that students would be raising
March 19, 2020 1:33 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools


(Phil Sweetland checks that coho fry from West Seattle and Gatewood elementaries, now in his carport because of school closures, are eating. Photo by Judy Pickens)

Special to West Seattle Blog
From the Fauntleroy Watershed Council

Last week, when schools began closing for COVID-19, teachers and volunteers had to scramble to save lives – the lives of nearly 2,000 coho salmon being reared by students in 13 West Seattle schools.

Knowing that their fish were too small to survive in the wild, all sought to keep school tanks going until May releases in Fauntleroy Creek. Most teachers turned to school custodians to feed the fish and provide access for someone trained to maintain healthy water chemistry.

For Arbor Heights and Gatewood elementaries, the solution was to move their fish immediately off site, one to the home of a tank volunteer and the other to Phil Sweetland‘s carport. He and his wife, Judy Pickens, help guide the Salmon in the Schools program for 73 schools throughout the city and provide particular support to participating schools in West Seattle.

When the governor extended school closures by several weeks, Roxhill Elementary and Louisa Boren STEM K-8 also relocated their fish and Phil added West Seattle Elementary‘s fish to his carport.

Teacher Andy Darring soon concluded, however, that he had to release Pathfinder K-8‘s fry five weeks earlier than planned. “It was a difficult decision to let the fish go but it was the only real choice, given the situation,” he said.

“Release dates for all other West Seattle schools remain on the calendar so students can still have that experience,” Judy said. “If classes don’t resume by late April, fry will be big enough for likely survival in the wild.”

Teachers who find they need to relocate their fish should contact Phil at 206-938-4203.

Creek no place for dogs, children

Pathfinder’s small fry will have a tough enough time surviving without having dogs in their water. Last year, experts pointed to off-leash dogs in the creek as a reason that only a handful of the coho released in Fauntleroy Park did not survive to migrate to central Puget Sound.

“Juveniles can stay for weeks near the big bridge, where students released them,” said Dennis Hinton, long-time release volunteer. “One dog thrashing in the water there can kill dozens of fry in just a few minutes.”

For habitat protection, Seattle Parks and Recreation requires dogs to be on leash at all times in the park. Also, with kids home from school, parents may be tempted to let their children pad in the water on a warm spring afternoon.

“The creek is always teeming with life, whether you see it or not,” Dennis emphasized. “It’s no place for a dog or a child.”

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BUSINESS UPDATES: Thunder Road Guitars, The Bass Shop, Seattle Yarn, Sleepers in Seattle, Delridge Home Depot
March 19, 2020 10:43 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

When we can, we’re grouping West Seattle business updates by type of business, but that’s not always possible, as in this case – here are five miscellaneous biznotes (more later today):

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS & THE BASS SHOP (6400 California SW; WSB sponsors): All online for now:

To protect the health of our customers and staff Thunder Road Guitars, Thunder Road Guitars PDX and The Bass Shop will temporarily close our storefronts to walk in traffic effective 3/19/20. We plan to re-open our storefronts as soon as it is safe to do so.

We will continue operating online and will be able to fulfill internet orders. We are also offering free domestic shipping and free local delivery to customers in Seattle and Portland. If you have instruments to sell, cosign or bring in for repair please call or email us.

Stay safe. We will get through this.

SEATTLE YARN: Now online and by phone 206-935-2010:

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are making further changes to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy. Effective Tuesday, March 17th, we are closing to the public. As per Governor Inslee’s directives for social distancing, this will be in effect for at least two weeks.

If you have signed up for a class, we will be reaching out to you via email.

To help folks have continuing access to yarny goodness and other supplies, we have several options!

We are able to help you over the phone with orders. We are happy to help you choose what you need – we can talk options, text or email pictures, whatever will make it easier! We will be available to take phone orders Tuesday-Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.

We have been adding to our webshop, and are continuing to put more of our products online every day. Check back regularly to see what we have posted!

How can you get your orders? Whether you order over the phone or online, you can have your purchases shipped. You can also choose to pick up from us, either curbside or at the door. If you order online and are picking up, please call ahead.

We will also be implementing a delivery option! Within West Seattle, we will make deliveries on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and during the day on Sundays. Delivery charge is $3, and delivery orders must be made over the phone.

We recognize that these are difficult and scary times. Your continuing support of our small business means the world to us.

SLEEPERS IN SEATTLE: This Junction shop also shares a message for customers:

We understand that this is an uncertain time. We want to reassure you that we are taking this very seriously and are implementing precautions to protect the safety of our customers and staff by following COVID-19 guidelines provided by the CDC, PHAC and WHO.

These guidelines are evolving rapidly. We are committed to adapting our business to align with the latest recommendations from these agencies. In order to align with social distancing guidelines, we are temporarily changing our store hours to by appointment only. We plan to return to our full services in about 2 weeks, but are closely monitoring the situation and will make adjustments to our timeline as needed.

What does this mean for our customers?

â—Ź In-person shopping at our store will only be available for customers with personal shopping appointments.

â—Ź You can always shop our stores online 24/7. We are always available via phone or email for any questions.
They’re at 888-922-SOFA.

THE HOME DEPOT: Lena at the 7345 Delridge Way SW store sent this update:

Our Hours of Business effective today: Monday – Saturday 6 AM – 6 PM and Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM.

Our corporate is working with the CDC’s and State’s requirements of changing our hours for now to comply with the COVID-19 mandate. I am sorry for the inconvenience, however, to protect our employees that are still coming in to help in any way possible and to protect our community, we will comply.

Our community can shop online Homedepot.com, select a store to shop in and pick up in store. Our lockers are located right inside the main entrance and if product is too big will be located at our Customer Service Desk also right inside main entrance.

Business (and other!) updates are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302. Photos too!

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SCHOOL’S OUT: Why Westside School buses were out on the road
March 19, 2020 10:13 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

It’s been a week now since schools started closing en masse, both public and independent. Westside School (WSB sponsor) head of school Steve de Beer sent photos explaining why the school’s buses were out on Wednesday: “Our three Westside School buses were out in West Seattle all day delivering learning materials (books, papers, laptops, tablets, etc.) to over 250 Westside families as we launched remote learning.”

Westside’s campus is in Arbor Heights. The governor has ordered all schools to keep their campuses closed through at least Friday, April 24th.

What’s learning like for YOUR family during this time? westseattleblog@gmail.com

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HOW TO HELP: Request, gratitude, and other West Seattle Food Bank updates
March 19, 2020 9:27 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

The question “how can I help?” continues to resound. Here’s updated information from the West Seattle Food Bank, along with gratitude:

We at the West Seattle Food Bank would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of the incredibly generous neighbors that have reached out to help us by donating funds, food, and your time. We are very humbled by your support and appreciate your dedication to keeping our neighbors fed and safe in their homes. It is our priority to keep our community healthy while continuing to ensure all our neighbors have access to food, emergency financial assistance, diapers, and other basic needs.

At this time, the Food Bank will remain open; however, how we provide our services has been in transition as we adapt to changing circumstances. We continue to provide Home Delivery services; we are communicating with community partners to determine how to best ensure our students stay fed during school closures; and we continue to process requests for financial assistance. The Clothesline is closed until further notice.

We realize that there are many in our community who need help in many ways. We have put together an extensive list of financial assistance resources for the greater Seattle area that we’re hoping will help.

Your support through monetary gifts continues to allow us the flexibility of using funds for specific needs that arise from this evolving situation. You can donate here to help your neighbors during this difficult time.

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With ridership dramatically down, Metro plans temporary service cuts
March 19, 2020 1:36 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

Under the pre-virus plan, Metro‘s spring service change would be happening this weekend. Instead, the transit system is planning a more drastic change – service cuts starting Monday (March 23rd), because of a sharp drop in ridership with so many people working from hom. In the announcement, Metro said, “Some bus routes will not operate and nearly all routes will see individual trip cancelations. … We do not make these decisions lightly and have designed the reductions to maintain some service on as many routes as possible.” The specifics are to be announced “by Friday.”

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 3/18 roundup
March 18, 2020 9:13 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s what happened today, 19 days after King County announced its first COVID-19 case:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health update:

Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/17/20

562 confirmed cases (up 44 from yesterday)
56 confirmed deaths (up 10 from yesterday)

These additional deaths include:

A woman in her 90s, who died at Life Care Center on 3/6
A woman in her 60s, who died at Life Care on 3/16
A man ins 90s, who died at Life Care on 3/17
A man in his 70s, who died at Life Care on 3/17
A man in his 80s, who died at Life Care on 2/28
A man in his 90s, who died on 3/15
A woman in her 70s, who died at Overlake Medical Center on 3/16
A man in his 70s, who died at University of Washington Medical Center on 3/17
A man in his 60s, who died at Harborview Medical Center on 3/16
A man in his 70s, who died on 3/16

Of the 56 deaths reported, 35 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

For comparison, the King County numbers one week ago were 234 cases, 26 deaths.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 1,187 cases, 66 deaths; other state stats here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them – nation by nation – here.

ANOTHER WEST SEATTLE CASE: Families at the Bridge Park senior-living complex in High Point have been told of a third case there. The notification said the patient is in a hospital.

GOVERNOR BRIEFING: This afternoon, Gov. Inslee briefed the media on another round of economic announcements – here’s what he published; below, our topline notes from monitoring via phone (which is how they’re handling all media briefings now):

*Statewide moratorium on evictions/rent-default notices for next 30 days
*Feds are suspending foreclosures for at least two months
*Waiving 1-week time period before unemployment $ kicks in
*Working with White House to develop “Disaster Unemployment Assistance” for those otherwise not covered. If President can’t do that, he’s asking for Congress to do it.
*DSHS will expand availability to emergency assistance to families without children
*Calling on all public utilities to expand bill assistance, waive late fees, etc.

For small businesses
*Congress OK’d SBA loans
*State making grants available to small businesses
*State cabinet agencies asked to support recovery
*State DOR suspending late fees and enforcement on tax payments for at least 30 days

Q&A touched mostly on non-economic topics. He was asked repeatedly if he’s going to announce further restrictions such as “shelter in place”; he did not rule anything out, but did not suggest anything was imminent – he’s making his decisions based on updates from health authorities.

QUARANTNE-FACILITY UPDATE: Another call we were on this afternoon – a new weekly community briefing on the Top Hat quarantine/isolation site east of White Center, still unoccupied, with early April the target date. Later, we went there to photograph the site, which is fully visible from the street:

A security guard tried to stop us, despite the fact that photographing something visible from a public street is fully within our rights and yours. We called it to the attention of elected officials via Twitter; County Councilmember Joe McDermotttagreed it shouldn’t have happened.

BUSINESS UPDATES: In our look at grocery-store hours today, we discovered at least five local stores now have special times for 60+/otherwise-at-risk people to shop … Pets gotta eat too! So we had an update on those stores …We continued updating the restaurant/beverage-business list (now 110+ businesses listed!) …

The Junction now has its own directory of who’s offering pickup/delivery (and some other business info, too).

YOU CAN HELP: More ways to help are emerging – like this blood drive next week. (We’ll have an ongoing list soon, but in the meantime, check our How To Help archive.)

FINAL WORDS: Seen in Seaview and called to our attention via Twitter:

(Added) We’ve since learned the author of that musing is Kitty O’Meara.

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CORONAVIRUS: 3rd COVID-19 case reported at High Point seniors complex Bridge Park
March 18, 2020 5:30 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | High Point | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, last week)

Another COVID-19 case reported at Bridge Park, the senior-living complex in High Point. Here’s the first page of the notification, provided by a family member:

(Here’s the second page.) The first case was reported last Thursday; second case, this past Monday. These three cases, and one affecting a South Seattle College student, are the only ones that have come to light in West Seattle so far; there could be others, but the King County information releases no longer even list cities, let alone neighborhoods. Meantime, we have a followup inquiry out to parent company Holiday Retirement.

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PET FOOD: What West Seattle stores are doing
March 18, 2020 4:45 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

All three of West Seattle’s small independent pet-food/supplies stores are open – here are their latest updates:

PET ELEMENTS (6511 California SW)

Please use the hand sanitizer located in store as you enter PRIOR to touching any carts, baskets, or product. We also ask that you pay with a card if possible, we have a no-touch procedure in place.

If necessary you can call us to place and pay for your order. We can then bring it to your car for you. We do ask that you have brand, formula, size needed, and limit variety on can requests. We may ask that you call back if we are busy…please understand if this happens. We’re doing our best to provide you with pet groceries and great service during this time.

Customer Scott also reports they’ve suspended receipt-signing but can still print you a receipt.

NEXT TO NATURE (4543 California SW):

We firmly believe that continued access to proper pet nutrition is just as important as continued access to proper human nutrition, so we will do everything we can to support the pet families in Seattle. We plan to be open on our regular schedule for in-store purchases, but will also be expanding our options by

1) offering curbside pick-up either in the 15-minute zone currently set up in front of our store on California Ave SW or in our parking area off the alleyway between California Ave SW and 44th Ave SW (near Wells Fargo) and

2) offering free next-day home delivery within the greater Seattle area

For both 1) and 2), customers can call us at 206-935-1134 to place and pay for their order and select their preferred fulfillment method.

On a separate note, we are working hard, as are our manufacturers and distributors, to maintain the supply of essentials such as foods and litters, and we’d like to thank all of those people who have chosen NOT to over-purchase in these uncertain times.

MUD BAY (2611 California SW): Open 11-7:30 weekdays, 9-7:30 weekends:

To help keep Muddies and customers safe, we have increased our efforts to reduce the spread of any illness by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces regularly, we’ve also implemented curbside pickup to keep visits as brief as possible.

We’re tracking as many business categories as we can – email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

ADDED 7:20 PM: Thanks for the reminders that we omitted another small local store.

PET PROS (Westwood Village): Open. You can order online for pickup, home delivery available for orders over $50.

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HOW TO HELP: Sign up for West Seattle Runner’s upcoming blood drive
March 18, 2020 3:50 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

A few days ago, health authorities warned that the blood-bank system was “in danger of collapse” if more people didn’t/couldn’t donate. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) has a mobile blood drive scheduled for March 27th – one week from Friday – and is asking donors to sign up now:

We are holding a Blood drive in front of our store on Friday the 27th from 12-6. To donate, people must schedule an appointment time from their website schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/GroupLanding.aspx?s=423B

In regards to COVID-19, they ask the following of potential donors:

Donors, please do not donate today if any of the following apply to you within the last 28 days:

*You traveled to any area with novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
– For example: city of Wuhan China and Hubei Provence of China
*You lived with individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having novel COVID-19 infection.
*You have been diagnosed with or suspected of having novel COVID-19 infection.

West Seattle Runner is at 2743 California SW.

Anybody else with a coordinated way to safely help – let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – or text/call 206-293-6302

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QUARANTINE/ISOLATION FACILITY: Top Hat site not ready for occupants yet
March 18, 2020 2:37 pm
|    Comments Off on QUARANTINE/ISOLATION FACILITY: Top Hat site not ready for occupants yet
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center

(ile photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Nobody’s in the Top Hat quarantine/isolation facility (206 SW 112th) yet. But the county is launching weekly community phone meetings for updates and Q&A. We participated in the first one this afternoon.

John Taylor from Local Services, Callie Knight from the Executive’s Office, Brad Binder from Public Health, County Councilmember Joe McDermott were among those on the call.

Regarding the timeline, Knight said the timeline for opening is still “at least a week and a half” away. April 3rd is the target date, to be open for 8 four-unit trailers, including one unit to be used as an on-site office, added Christina Gonzales of Facilities, who joined the call later. Read More

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GROCERY STORES: Updating West Seattle supermarkets’ hours & special shopping times
March 18, 2020 12:00 pm
|      98 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Updated 6/27)

As with many other businesses, things are changing day to day, so (updated) we are continuing to track local standalone stores’ hours:

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor): 5 am-midnight – pickup service info here if you cannot come into the store. (Added) Thriftway has senior shopping time (60+), 7-9 am Tuesdays and Thursdays. No personal bags.

PCC WEST SEATTLE (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor): 8 am-11 pm, with 7 am-8 am reserved for 60+ and others at higher risk. Personal bags are OK if you bag your own groceries.

METROPOLITAN MARKET (41st/42nd/Admiral): 8 am-11 pm; 7-8 am every day now reserved for seniors/other elevated-risk shoppers. No personal bags.

TRADER JOE’S (4545 Fauntleroy Way SW): Hours will be 9 am-9 pm starting 6/29 with 8-9 am special daily hour for seniors and others at elevated risk..

WHOLE FOODS (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor): 8 am-9 pm, with senior hours 7 am-8 am Wednesdays and Fridays.

JUNCTION QFC (4550 42nd SW): 5/23 update – hours now 7 am-11 pm with 60+-shopper hour 7-8 am Mondays and Wednesdays.

WESTWOOD VILLAGE QFC (26th/Barton): 5/23 update – hours now 7 am-11 pm with 60+-shopper hour 7-8 am Mondays and Wednesdays.

*Note for the next three stores – seniors/high-risk people have special shopping hours at Safeways (expanded to) 6 am-9 am Tuesdays and Thursdays.

ROXBURY SAFEWAY (27th/Roxbury): 5 am-1 am

JEFFERSON SQUARE SAFEWAY (42nd/Edmunds), 5 am-1 am

ADMIRAL SAFEWAY (2622 California SW): 5 am-1 am

westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – we’ll update this list if/when we hear of changes – thank you!

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ALSO OPEN: West Seattle Autoworks can fix/maintain your car without in-person contact
March 18, 2020 11:43 am
|    Comments Off on ALSO OPEN: West Seattle Autoworks can fix/maintain your car without in-person contact
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If your vehicle needs repair/maintenance, you can get that done safely. Another longtime WSB sponsor that’s got a no-in-person-contact plan is West Seattle Autoworks. From Kacie:

West Seattle Autoworks is committed to keeping its employees, customers and vendors as safe as possible while still providing excellent vehicle repair and maintenance for our customers. In order to do this, we have made the following temporary changes to our daily operations:

Our hours will be Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.

All business normally face to face with customers will be done via talk, text or email.

The only payment methods accepted will be credit cards over the phone

Our lobby will be closed to visitors and vendors

Customers will be able to drop their vehicle keys through our after hours key drop

We will arrange vehicle pick up with each customer when service is complete

We can pick up customer cars in West Seattle

Please call or text us with any questions: 206 257 5344 and thank you!

West Seattle Autoworks is at 35th/Webster.

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FOOD: Lunches for students at Highland Park Improvement Club again today
March 18, 2020 10:14 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, last week)

For kids who can’t make it to one of the Seattle Public Schools distribution sites, volunteers are distributing sack lunches at Highland Park Improvement Club again today. Here’s the announcement we received:

Bag lunches will be provided Wednesday, March 18th, and Friday the 20th, at Highland Park Improvement Club for kiddos in the area from 11-2. Friday, a weekend bag of extra staples will also be provided. In order to keep volunteers and families safe by practicing social distancing we will be using the same model as SPS. Folks in cars will have lunches handed to them in their cars. Folks on foot will be able to take their lunches from a table on the patio. All students are welcome.

HPIC is at 1116 SW Holden.

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CORONAVIRUS: The Tuesday 3/17 roundup
March 17, 2020 9:17 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: The Tuesday 3/17 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

No new restrictions today. Here goes the nightly roundup:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health news release at mid-afternoon:

Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/16/20

518 confirmed cases (up 30 from yesterday)
46 confirmed deaths (up 3 from yesterday)

These additional deaths include:

A man in his 70s, who died at Valley Medical Center on 3/16
A man in his 90s, who died at EvergreenHealth on 3/16
A woman in her 70s, who died at EvergreenHealth on 3/13

Of the 46 deaths reported, 30 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

For comparison, the King County numbers one week ago were 190 cases, 22 deaths.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 1,012 cases, 52 deaths; other state stats here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them – nation by nation – here.

NO NUMBERS, BUT … Crime is clearly down, according to this update from local police.

SEND IN THE NAVY? Our area’s U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal was part of this call to deploy hospital ships, likely one for Seattle:

U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today wrote to Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations, to urge him to immediately ready and deploy U.S. Naval Ship MERCY and U.S. Naval Ship COMFORT—two Navy hospitals ships—in support of the national COVID-19 response effort, citing the needs in New York, Seattle and other port cities experiencing outbreaks of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Navy, the two ships each contain 12 fully equipped operating rooms, a 1,000-bed hospital facility, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, two oxygen producing plants, and a helicopter deck capable of landing large military helicopters. When fully operational, each has a crew of about 71 civilians and up to 1,200 Navy medical and communications personnel.

IS COVID-19 AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS/NONPROFIT? This survey is for you.

MORE TIME TO PAY THE IRS: Latest from the feds – you’ll still have to file on time, but if you owe, your deadline will be pushed back three months.

MORE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS: Along with continuing to update our restaurant/beverage-biz list, today’s spotlights also featured businesses for drivers, runners, and readers. More tomorrow!

SUNDAES ON WEDNESDAY: Speaking of tomorrow – a business whose attempts to open in West Seattle have been long snarled by red tape will have a pop-up here on Wednesday: Shug’s Soda Fountain plans to set up at their someday space, 3800 California SW, 2-5 pm, with take-home sundae kits (listed here).

ALSO TOMORROW: King County promises an afternoon community call about the Top Hat quarantine/isolation site. No one there yet, and when we asked Monday, the latest estimate for occupancy/readiness was early April.

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COMMUNITY: 32nd SW neighbors stay strong with signs, art, smiles
March 17, 2020 8:16 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(WSB photo above; other photos are courtesy neighbor Sara)

On 32nd SW between The Triangle and Luna Park, that is literally a sign of the times. A nearby resident emailed us after spotting those signs in multiple windows while he was out for a walk. We drove over for a look and happened into Sara and neighbors in the midst of what they called a “6-foot happy hour”:

They explained that the “OK” signs were a neighbor’s idea, inspired by disaster-preparedness advice to carry them – they say “HELP” on the other side – and last night they were distributed. Sara tells us about 100 were given out and 33 are already up in windows. Not just for emergency use, she explains: “From benign needs like an elderly neighbor that needs an outside lightbulb changed but can’t climb a ladder, to the needs we can’t yet anticipate such as ill neighbors needing medication or groceries.” But that’s not all yoo’ll see in the windows on 32nd:

They’re displaying window art, so other neighbors can enjoy it. Sara says, “Not sure where this came from but jumped on the bandwagon and are making people’s daily walks more colorful!” There’s even a schedule for a weekly “window art walk”:

What’s YOUR neighborhood doing? Let us know – and send photos if you can (we have to keep our distance too) – westseattleblog@gmail.com

P.S. Here’s a printable OK/HELP sign – (updated) courtesy of Sergio, who says that’s the one they used. (another update) Jesse sent this West Seattle-customized one you can try, too.

P.P.S. ICYMI on Monday, here’s the guide to safely checking in on, and/or helping, neighbors.

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HOW TO HELP: WestSide Baby is in emergency-distribution mode
March 17, 2020 7:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

As the virus crisis throws more families into economic insecurity – and worsens the situation for many who were already there – WestSide Baby is focused on emergency diaper distribution. We were at the nonprofit’s White Center hub at midday today as case managers for struggling families stopped by to pick up extra boxes of diapers. By the time we stopped by, they had loaded more than three dozen vehicles with about 70,000 diapers.

WS Baby’s interim executive director Sara Cody Roth explains, “Our mission to meet children’s basic needs to keep them safe, warm and dry is more important and more urgent than ever before.” And while many have asked about volunteer or material needs, which usually they accept joyfully, they’ve suspended that for now – what they need most so they can keep buying discounted diapers is money – here’s how to donate if you can.

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HISTORY: What the Log House Museum can offer you even though it’s closed
March 17, 2020 6:25 pm
|    Comments Off on HISTORY: What the Log House Museum can offer you even though it’s closed
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

We’re living through history now. But even with a scary present and uncertain future, you might be able to take some time to learn more about our area’s past. From the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:

While the Log House Museum is closed to the public during this time, they are dedicated to bringing historic content to the community in new ways. Here are a few offerings the museum has made available, with much more to come!

First, they have put their most recent exhibit, “Between the Lines: The Power and Parallels of the West Seattle Annexation” online. You can click through the exhibit content here.

For parents and teachers in need of educational content, the activity book Welcome to the Green Land is free for download here.

The museum is participating in the #museumalphabet challenge with other museums across the globe, featuring a collection item for each letter. You can follow along on their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page. Be sure to follow them as they have more content, including some special videos, planned for the coming weeks.

Your support is crucial to the Historical Society now more than ever. If you are interested in supporting the Historical Society’s mission during the temporary closure of the Log House Museum, please consider donating or becoming a member today!

FYI when the museum reopens – you’ll find it at 61st SW and SW Stevens.

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BOOKS: Updates from Paper Boat Booksellers, Pegasus Book Exchange
March 17, 2020 4:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle books | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Updates from West Seattle’s two independent bookstores:

PEGASUS BOOK EXCHANGE: The store is “still open for business as well as offering curbside pickup and delivery.” More below:

Pegasus is at 4553 California SW.

PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: The store at 6010 California SW is now closed to the public but doing delivery and pickup – here’s the newest info:

While we are closed to the public, we will operate out of the store on a limited schedule to answer phones, take orders and provide curbside drop-off and delivery. Hours of operation will be:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 11 am-5 pm

Delivery Times: 3 pm-5pm (if demand is high we may expand delivery days and times)

Ways To Order:

Order Online: Our online store will be up and running soon. You can place your order for books or gift cards and we will ship them out to you (shipping is free for gift cards). If you choose “in store pick-up” we will call you when your purchases are ready and you can choose to pick up curbside or we can deliver them to you. In the comments, please leave your address for delivery or type “curbside”.

Order By Phone Or Email: Call or email us with your book order and if we have what you need we will pull it off the shelf or order it for you. We will let you know when your order is ready and you can pay over the phone-please don’t send your credit card information over email.

Ways To Deliver:

Curbside Pick-Up: During our hours of operation we will offer curbside delivery outside the store. Once we contact you to let you know your order is ready, you can pre-pay over the phone and if you’ve ordered online then your order should be paid for. Call us when you are here: 206-743-8283 and we’ll run your order out to you-now you are set to read, read, read!

Delivery: We are offering free delivery to our customers within West Seattle limits. Please take us up on it-we have driving teenagers who are out of school and they are more than willing to help (as long as there’s cash involved by Mom and Dad of course!).Simply place your order over the phone or online and choose “in store pick-up”, leave your address in the comments and let us know you would like for us to deliver. We will deliver on T/Th/Sat between 3 pm-5 pm (if demand is high we may deliver on other days-we will wait and see).

This isn’t ideal! Nothing can replace coming into the store, browsing and shopping at your leisure, but we will try our best to get books (and workbooks, puzzles, games) any way we can. We are happy to give you recommendations over the phone or pick a surprise recommendation for you-we are always happy to share our thoughts and ideas with you!

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ALSO OPEN: Click! Design That Fits goes delivery/pickup
March 17, 2020 2:45 pm
|    Comments Off on ALSO OPEN: Click! Design That Fits goes delivery/pickup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s not just restaurants/beverage businesses – some retailers are going delivery/pickup too, like longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits in The Junction. Their message to customers:

Guys. This COVID-19 thing is out.of.control. We want you, our staff, and our vendors to stay healthy at all costs. We’ve decided that it’s in our collective best interests to temporarily close the store starting on Tuesday 3.17.20. We will remain closed until further notice.

We’ve been blown away by the support you’ve given us over the past week as this thing has gotten bigger and crazier. We can’t thank you enough for supporting the locally owned, independent businesses who employ your friends, neighbors and kids and give back to West Seattle in countless ways. We go into this break buoyed by your dedication to this community and the small businesses that make it tick.

While we’re closed we’ll be doing a TON of website updates so you can still get your Click! fix. Our web shop will remain open and we’ll be shipping orders regularly. Orders over $75 will ship free anywhere in the USA. If you’re local, we can deliver within West Seattle for no charge (orders of $50 or more) and will have curbside order pickups by appointment (any order amount).

Keep your eyes peeled for email and social media (Instagram, Facebook) updates from us and definitely reach out to us at hello@clickdesignthatfits.com if you have thoughts, questions or concerns.

Thank you again for being the best. We love you and are looking forward to seeing your faces again in the near future. Until then, stay safe and wash your hands!

Click! is at 4540 California SW.

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REMINDER: Where to find our list of West Seattle restaurant/beverage businesses open for takeout/delivery; city adds pickup parking
March 17, 2020 1:14 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Makeshift short-term drive-up pickup spaces in The Junction)

1:14 PM: ICYMI on Monday, we have a list of West Seattle restaurants, coffee shops, and other beverage/food businesses that are offering pickup/delivery – see it here, find it linked to one of our home-page spotlight boxes, or find it linked in our site navigation menu; choose RESTAURANT LIST. The info is from business proprietors and readers, plus some research we’ve done (including driving around to read notes on doors/windows), so if yours is missing, just get us the info – 206-293-6302 text/voice, or (ideal) westseattleblog@gmail.com. And everyone keep in mind that this is all subject to change as businesses decide day to day what makes sense; please send us updates, too.

4:27 PM: What you see in the photo above is a Junction initiative – but the city says it’s following suit; here’s today’s announcement.

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ALSO OPEN: West Seattle Runner, with a unique protection setup
March 17, 2020 11:28 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As we continue spotlighting how businesses are working on staying safe if they’re allowed to stay open – the photo and report are from West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)

From WSR’s Tim and Lori McConnell:

West Seattle Runner is staying open regular business hours until told to do otherwise.

Our biggest change is we are not doing our full fitting, which usually gets us up close and personal to each customer. Instead, we are doing a distance fitting, where we will still check gait and shoe correction, but not check shoe fit. This we will leave to the customer to tell us. We will also try to do this within a 10 minute window while maintaining a physical distance of 6′. To help offset any fit issues, we are extending our return policy to 45 days.

We have added a take-out option, where we will take an order over the phone and place it in a bag, ready to grab and go by the front door. This will allow the customer to be in our store for less than 10 seconds to minimize contact.

For customers that aren’t comfortable paying over the phone or just want to come in and grab what they need, we have erected a Lexan shield between our cash register and the check out area. This keeps staff and customers separated even though they are within 6 feet of each other. We have put our bags on the customers’ side so they can bag their own items, and will also have them scan their own items, another measure to keep contact to a minimum. We also wipe down our key pad after every transaction, and we will limit the number of people in the store to 10, including staff.

We are looking forward to seeing what other businesses have come up with to help us all get through these tough times.

Tim and Lori
West Seattle Runner

UPDATE: WSR has suspended their regular running events TFN.

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