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From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: New policy/code for some SFD responses
January 10, 2022 3:42 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, SFD battalion-chief vehicle)

If you watch the Seattle Fire Department‘s real-time 911 log – which logs the addresses and call classifications for all SFD responses – you might have noticed a new call designation on Sunday’s log: A few medical calls were designated BC Medic Response or BC Aid Response. We noticed it and also received a few inquiries – one of the calls was on Alki Avenue – so we asked SFD about it today. Spokesperson Kristin Tinsley says BC is short for “battalion chief” (regional supervisor) and this is indeed a new type of code: “With this policy change, a battalion chief is now added to most responses where the patient is experiencing a mental-health crisis, to help our firefighters with decision-making for an appropriate treatment plan.”

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Urgent call for blood donors
December 30, 2021 4:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

If you can donate blood, our regional blood bank needs you now. The holidays are already a challenging time, and the snow has compounded that, according to this announcement Bloodworks Northwest asked us to publish:

Due to our recent snow/weather, the need for blood for our community is now urgent. Bloodworks Northwest Talking points:

· In the past three days, 55% of our appointments (966) weren’t able to come in due to the winter weather. We are seeing additional cancellations today.

· We have over 1,200 open appointments in the next 10 days.

· With the holidays and winter weather, donations have dropped by 1,400 units in the past 7 days. This is the smallest amount of donations we have seen since the pandemic began.

· Almost all blood types are at Emergency Levels, less than a day supply

If you can get to a Bloodworks Northwest donor center or pop-up safely, please give blood. We have many openings at upcoming West Seattle pop-ups. Please book your appointment at www.bloodworksnw.org

Here’s the list of West Seattle pop-ups – including three days next week at the Masonic Center in The Junction. (Or, if you can get downtown, they have appointments available up through 6:30 tonight.)

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Get ready to register for Lifelong Recreation classes at local community centers
December 10, 2021 9:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Health | West Seattle news

Just a few days until registration opens for classes and programs at city-run community centers in West Seattle (and citywide). Here’s one set of classes Seattle Parks wants you to know about:

Get into shape and meet new friends! Seattle Parks and Recreation is offering in-person fitness classes at local community centers this winter, including its Lifelong Recreation for Adults 50+.

Here are several winter offerings; each class title is linked to a page with online registration and more information. Classes begin Jan- Registration opens December 14 at Noon. Register here or call 206-684-5177.

Aerobics
Fitness
Line Dance
Pickleball Skills 101
Yoga
=Zumba

AND MORE! See full winter brochure.

Scholarships are available if you need help with the fees.

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VACCINATIONS: West Seattle pop-up clinic Saturday
December 6, 2021 1:19 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATIONS: West Seattle pop-up clinic Saturday
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Another pop-up clinic has been announced for West Seattle this Saturday (December 11th). Here’s the info:

The Community School of West Seattle is hosting a COVID vaccine clinic!

Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 3-6 PM!
9450 22nd Ave SW (corner of Roxbury and 22nd)

What’s available:

-All adult vaccine types
-All adult vaccine doses
-Pediatric (5-11 years) 1st and 2nd doses.

Appointment links:

Adult (12 years +) – all vaccine types, all doses:
prepmod.doh.wa.gov/appointment/en/reg/6069129814

Pediatric (5-11 years):
prepmod.doh.wa.gov/appointment/en/reg/4962198650

We asked about walk-ups. For adult boosters, yes; for pediatric vaccinations, no – those will be by appointment only.

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SURVEY: New Westside HEY Coalition has questions for you
November 12, 2021 3:47 pm
|    Comments Off on SURVEY: New Westside HEY Coalition has questions for you
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Got a few minutes? The newly launched Westside HEY Coalition has a survey for you:

The Westside HEY (Healthy Empowered Youth) Coalition, a school and community coalition formed to address the high rates of youth substance use in West Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol. This anonymous survey asks about one’s perceptions of drug and alcohol use among youth in the community. Adults ages 18 and over, who live, work or frequent the West Seattle area are eligible to take this survey. We will use this information to help us understand your thoughts and feelings, in order to better serve youth in our community. The survey typically takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Survey Link: research.net/r/KIWESEEN2021

The data from these surveys will be used to implement evidence-based prevention programs in middle and high schools in the community, including Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey!

Sincerely,
Westside HEY Coalition

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FOLLOWUP: After 6 years, Beach Drive complex no longer devoted to ‘sober living’
October 25, 2021 8:50 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: After 6 years, Beach Drive complex no longer devoted to ‘sober living’
 |   Health | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Six years ago, the Beachwood Apartments at 4027 Beach Drive SW were momentarily in the spotlight because of community questions regarding their takeover by Seattle Sober Living. The organization stressed that it wasn’t a halfway house or treatment facility – just a building renting apartments to men committing to drug- and alcohol-free living. The years passed and it didn’t return to our radar until this past weekend, when a reader emailed to say the building looked empty. Checking the Seattle Sober Living website, we found the Beach Drive location was no longer listed; though in 2015 it was the organization’s only location, now SSL lists buildings in Capitol Hill and Kirkland. Unable to find anything else about the West Seattle building’s status, we emailed David Gould, director of SSL then and now (and a West Seattle resident). He replied:

We have found another property in the Seattle area which we believe is even better suited for our tenants. SSL is no longer renting the property at 4027 Beach Dr SW.

Speaking for myself and representing feedback I’ve received from tenants and their families, the West Seattle community is owed a debt of gratitude for welcoming us. This is a beautiful area and hundreds of recovering addicts who have come through the Beach Drive home hold a special place in their heart for this community. Lives have been changed. Thank you, West Seattle.

Alliance Multifamily is managing the building now. While stressing that he wasn’t speaking for the ownership, Gould said he had “heard it was going to be rented as standard housing.” And indeed, when we subsequently went over for a photo of the building, we noticed sandwich boards advertising “Now Leasing.”

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BIZNOTE: Strive & Uplift expands to West Seattle
October 21, 2021 1:30 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Strive & Uplift expands to West Seattle
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That’s the team from Strive & Uplift, a “community in movement” that recently expanded to West Seattle, at 3453 California SW. They explain that their business offers “classes and coaching in everything from Pilates to kettlebells to yoga.” They are affiliated with HAES (Health At Every Size) and offer online services as well as in person. They have three other locations around the city and say they “focus on becoming a ‘third place’ for folks who are looking for a different kind of gym.”

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VACCINATION: Four pop-up clinics ahead – two for COVID, two for flu
October 15, 2021 9:02 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Four pop-up clinics ahead – two for COVID, two for flu
 |   Coronavirus | Health | South Park | West Seattle news

Quick reminder of four opportunities to get vaccinated in the next four days – two for COVID, two for flu:

COVID VACCINATIONS AT OLG: As previously reported, Our Lady of Guadalupe is hosting a clinic on Sunday, 9:30 am-1:30 pm. Our story includes the link for making an appointment. Pfizer and Moderna available, first, second, and (Pfizer) boosters.

COVID VACCINATION IN SOUTH PARK: No appointment needed at the South Park Senior Center (8201 10th Ave. S.) 9 am-1 pm Tuesday (October 19th), where all three vaccines are available, including Pfizer boosters. (Here’s the flyer.)

FLU SHOTS THIS WEEKEND: All community members are welcome at the flu-shot clinics 10 am-4 pm Saturday at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW) and 10 am-4 pm Sunday at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle). Details and the registration link are in our original report.

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3 flu-shot clinics coming up at West Seattle schools, open to all
October 13, 2021 4:12 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The Seattle Visiting Nurse Association sent word of three flu-shot clinics at local schools in the next week and a half, all open to the entire community:

Saturday, October 16th at Madison Middle School from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sunday, October 17th at Chief Sealth International High School from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sunday, October 24th at Madison Middle School from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Insurance will be required for no-cost immunizations. Most insurance is accepted, including Apple Health, but we are unable to accept TriCare or Cigna.

These clinics are open to the public, and you can register at schedule.seattlevna.com/home/9d20cac8-d510-ec11-b6e6-000d3a57ec4c

The SVNA says the clinics will be held indoors.

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Transformational Psychiatry NW: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor
October 12, 2021 11:29 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Transformational Psychiatry NW. New sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about what they do – so here’s what Transformational Psychiatry NW would like you to know:

(From left at Transformational Psychiatry NW – Tim, Debbie Sweetland, Jacqueline Marcell-Koledin)

Greetings From Transformational Psychiatry NW in Jefferson Square Plaza!

Are you suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental-health problems, or do you of know someone who is? It just so happens that one in five Americans experiences some kind of mental-health issue, and the need for medical care is on the rise.

Many who suffer have tried medications, but few have heard of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), a gentle, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for anxiety and depression. TMS can also be beneficial for addiction, PTSD, chronic pain, smoking cessation, migraines, tinnitus, and others. It’s available right here in West Seattle and covered by most insurance.

Some benefits of TMS include:

• No major side effects
• Non-invasive, non-surgical treatment
• No anesthesia or sedation required
• Drug-free treatment
• Covered by most insurance plans or self-pay
• Performed in office – may return to work right away

Our Mission at Transformational Psychiatry NW: We want to help transform the lives of those suffering from difficult-to-treat mental-health problems. We are excited to provide cutting-edge technology of TMS to assist in this process.

Jacqueline Marcell-Koledin, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and her team of certified TMS Technicians specialize in TMS and are now accepting new patients and referrals. In the heart of West Seattle, our spacious clinic is designed with social distancing and patient safety in mind. Please call us today to schedule a free consultation, at 206-673-2408, or visit our website at tp-nw.com to find out more.

We thank Transformational Psychiatry NW 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.

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FOLLOWUP: EPA sticks with plan to allow higher levels of a Duwamish River pollutant
October 8, 2021 3:50 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Health | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, September)

Back in February, we reported on the EPA‘s plan to make a change in the Duwamish River cleanup plan, allowing higher levels of a particular pollutant, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a “carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (cPAH).” The higher levels would be allowed because a review process dating back to 2013 had determined the pollutant was less cancer-causing than previously believed. After a public comment period and further review, the EPA is finalizing what it originally proposed. Here’s the one-sheet explanation:

EPA spokesperson Bill Dunbar says, “Due to the reduced risk, EPA Region 10 has revised the allowable levels of cPAH at the Lower Duwamish Waterway. The higher levels will provide the same level of human health protection. The new levels are expected to reduce the areas where waterway sediments require Superfund cleanup by less than five percent. PCBs remain the main source of risk to people’s health from the site. People can be exposed to PCBs if they eat fish and shellfish that spend their lives in the river, or contact sediment during beach play, net-fishing, and clamming. cPAHs do not accumulate in fish but are found in clams. EPA estimates that since 2012, average levels of cPAHs and PCBs in Duwamish Waterway sediments have been reduced by half as a result of early cleanup actions, control of pollution sources, and burial by cleaner sediments from upstream. Future cleanup to reduce PCBs will also reduce cPAHs.”

This change is part of what led the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition to organize a rally for the river just two weeks ago. DRCC executive director Paulina López tells WSB that while the EPA’s decision is troubling, there’s some hope: “Unfortunately, the change EPA approved means that our communities will be exposed to higher levels of carcinogenic PAHs — in our river sediments, and in our fish and shellfish. We do not believe that this is health protective, especially for an Environmental Justice community with multiple, cumulative exposures. We are encouraged, however, that the impact of EPA’s change will be minimized as a result of our City, County and Port’s stated commitment to stay the course and clean up all of the cPAHs as originally ordered by the 2014 cleanup decision. DRCC will still call on our local governments to stand by this commitment and we look forward to working with them to secure EPA’s cooperation and support. to protect our communities, our fishers, our habitat. “

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REOPENING: Fauntleroy YMCA back open again
October 3, 2021 4:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Health | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jeff for the tip! The Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – co-located with Fauntleroy Church at 9140 California SW – has reopened. It’s now open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for starters, 9 am to noon each of those days. Here’s the class schedule.

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BIZNOTE: Goodnight Pilates and Muscle Activation now open in north Morgan Junction
September 25, 2021 7:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Goodnight Pilates)

One of West Seattle’s newest businesses is now open at 5904 California SW: Goodnight Pilates and Muscle Activation. Proprietor Carrie Goodnight is occupying half the space that used to be DeSautel Chiropractic (now at 6553 California SW under the name Resolve Chiropractic.) Goodnight tells WSB, “After nearly 20 years of teaching Pilates (13 of them in West Seattle), I have expanded my skill set to include Muscle Activation Techniques.” She says combining Pilates with MAT (explained here) is a “powerful combination.” The new studio offers one-on-one lessons and bodywork, by appointment.

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VACCINATION: Flu, COVID shots available at local school clinics starting this weekend
September 15, 2021 11:00 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just got word of this:

Seattle Public Schools is offering 20 fall community Flu vaccine clinics (through Seattle Visiting Nurse Association) and 6 Moderna/Pfizer COVID vaccine clinics (through Safeway Albertsons) from September 18-October 21. All community members are welcome to sign up. Insurance information is required for flu shots (most insurance accepted). COVID vaccinations are free for ages 12 and up.

LOCAL CLINICS:

Madison Middle School – 3429 45th Ave SW
Sunday, September 19, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 5950 Delridge Way SW
Sunday, September 26, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Chief Sealth International High School – 2600 SW Thistle St,
Saturday, October 2, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & COVID-19 vaccines 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Go here to make an appointment.

(Added note from the Visiting Nurses’ Association: These are indoor clinics.)

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Personal training with Caitlin Live LLC: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
September 14, 2021 11:51 am
|    Comments Off on Personal training with Caitlin Live LLC: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Caitlin Live LLC. New sponsors have the opportunity to explain what they offer to the community – here’s what Caitlin wants you to know:

Caitlin Live LLC helps you discover how to work out with a Personal Trainer from home so you can finally have an exercise routine that works for your life. Look forward to being guided through one-on-one live personal-training workouts wherever you have WIFI, with no commute and no gym membership fees.

You’ll meet live on Zoom with Personal Trainer Caitlin, who will listen to what your needs are and get you moving toward them. Caitlin has been using her Sports Medicine degree from Pepperdine University and numerous fitness certifications since 2012 to help her clients get back to fitness after periods of injury or inactivity.

“With her help I equipped a great home gym and have been armed with great short and efficient workout routines to use at home and when I get back out on the road. She has been a champion seeing my transformation.” – Alex, age 44

“Caitlin is an exceptionally great trainer! Caitlin understands my physical limits, capacities, and goals. She structures great custom-tailored workouts and long term plans that maximize my time and effort. She has helped me with nutrition, injury prevention and rehab, and introduced me to great aerobic exercise-oriented apps. Caitlin also is a terrific, understanding, flexible, and lovely person with an impeccable professional demeanor.” – Kevin, age 43

“I’ve been able to halve the dose of my blood pressure medicine and my balance has markedly improved. Your gentle coaching style and encouragement has led me to accomplish fitness goals I never thought possible.” – Kathryn, age 60+

You’ll find Caitlin of Caitlin Live LLC running and biking in West Seattle and taking part in the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Find out more about online personal training with Caitlin Live LLC and book a FREE Hour Consultation Today at caitlinlive.com. Mention code WSBLOCAL during your Free Consultation and get a Bonus $60 off when you sign up for your first month of online personal training sessions.

We thank Caitlin Live LLC 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.

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Play dodgeball, save lives!
September 9, 2021 9:31 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

On September 25th at Riverview Playfield, you’re invited to play dodgeball for a cause – saving children’s lives. The organizer is Dennis Williams Jr., who explains:

The inspiration for this fundraiser is our 5-year-old son Isaac. He was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma at 18 months old. He spent the next 15 months being treated by Seattle Children’s Hospital for a disease that had a 50% mortality rate. Without the innovation and improvements in treatment protocols, especially with immunotherapy, who knows what the outcome would have been. We are eternally indebted to Seattle Children’s and every child who comes behind Isaac. Only 4% of government funding goes to pediatric cancer research, so we have to do more to increase the odds of success for our kids. They are the most important thing on earth.

Teams are still being recruited for the tournament – this flyer has information, and the tournament’s fundraising page explains how to set up a team. You can simply donate at that same link. Spectators will be welcome on the day of the tournament too – 11 am to 3 pm September 25th, with vendors, food trucks, and a DJ, lower fields at Riverview (7226 12th SW).

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VIDEO: ‘Wholly preventable cause of death’ spotlighted on life-affirming fourth night of Created Commons at Westcrest Park
September 2, 2021 7:15 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Lelavision’s Interspecies Communication sculpture, hovering over the Created Commons stage)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“I’m not going to die like this.”

That is what Alexia Jones told herself, at the moments when she couldn’t see her way out of the depths to which drug addiction took her.

And indeed, she did not die. She has been in longterm recovery for 26 years, Jones said as the continuing Created Commons art/science celebration at Westcrest Park commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day.

Jones, the host of Tuesday night’s event, leads R2ISE, a Georgia-based organization that explores recovery through art.

She opened by proclaiming the night “a space and a place to remember,” a night about “those who didn’t make it” as well as “those who are out there trying to make it back home.” Here’s our full video of what happened onstage for more than an hour:

Here’s why this is a matter of life and death:

Read More

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WANTED: New West Seattle home for life-saving truck
August 23, 2021 3:18 pm
|      89 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Swedish Health)

That’s the Swedish mobile mammography truck. Even if you’re not a patient, you probably noticed it out in front of the former Swedish location at 3400 California SW many times. As we’ve reported, Swedish moved out of that building this summer. And that’s when the truck trouble began.

Swedish mobile mammography program lead Annaleis Ortiz tells WSB they got permits for the truck to park by the new clinic location at 4100 SW Alaska. But – “the neighborhood did not agree with us in that spot. We ended up getting many threatening complaints to our staff, mobile coach and event patients. They did not like us taking their parking spots or the sound of the generator. Due to the safety of the patients, staff, and equipment we pulled the plug on bringing the coach to W.Seattle. We cancelled many, many appointments and made a lot of women unhappy. The last thing I want to do is take an important health screening away from a community that benefits so much. On average we saw 85-120 woman a month, finding countless cancers in an early stage.”

Ortiz drove around West Seattle looking for someplace else to park the truck so patients could get mammograms in West Seattle – an especially valuable service with the bridge closed. “I finally found a location outside the YMCA on Snoqualmie and went through the channels to get approval to park outside their location. Last week we had our first visit in a couple months. It had great success and we were thrilled to be back. We only have approval to visit on Mondays. We are in need of an alternate location … We have over 100 women on a waitlist to be seen, many who do not want to make the trek into downtown to be seen due to bridge closure and traffic issues. A lot of these women are older and benefit greatly from our service.”

Here’s what she’s looking for: “A business with ample parking, not too close to high-rise apartments or condos … willing to host us a few times a month. Our tractor trailer is about 42+ feet long and usually occupies 8-10 parking spaces for setup.” Two other criteria: Level surface, and: “We need to have access to a bathroom for our staff as we do not have a restroom on board.” If you have a business or institution that might be able to host the truck, contact the Swedish West Seattle clinic at 206-320-3399.

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SMOKE UPDATE: Cleaner air tonight
August 14, 2021 11:14 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo tweeted by Aaron)

11:14 PM: Though tonight brought another pink-globe sunset, if you observed closely, you could see the smoke wasn’t as dense as last night – the sun was visible all the way until it “touched” the Olympics.

(Texted photo)

The air quality is better now, because the remaining smoke is “aloft” rather than down at ground level, according to the National Weather Service. So will tomorrow’s sunrise still be pink too?

(Saturday sunrise photo by Marc Milrod)

The NWS says, “Elevated smoke will continue across the area tonight, then decrease from the west on Sunday.”

1:03 AM: Orange-red moon again tonight – Monica Zaborac sent the photo:

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SMOKE: Wondering when it will clear out?
August 13, 2021 9:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | Health | West Seattle news

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

9:34 PM: Tonight, the sun didn’t set behind the Olympics – it set behind the smoke, well before it would have gotten to the point where the mountains become the western horizon. After a day of ever-thicker alert-level smoke, red dots are all over the air-quality map. Here’s what the National Weather Service says in its newest regional Forecast Discussion:

Surface smoke should gradually clear out Saturday, but pockets of poor air quality are likely to stick around. The skies will remain hazy through the rest of the weekend though as smoke at the upper levels is expected to stick around through Sunday.

(Photo by Gene Pavola)

The heat warning is still set to expire Saturday evening, and tomorrow’s temperature is only forecast to get into the 80s; Today’s official high was 91, down four degrees from Thursday.

10:21 PM: After the pink-red sun, the orange-red moon – another photo sent by Gene Pavola:

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PANDEMIC: Governor announces COVID-19 vaccination mandate ‘for most state workers’; city, county too
August 9, 2021 2:06 pm
|      68 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

(Governor’s Office photo)

2:06 PM: As noted in our pandemic-news roundup last night, Gov. Jay Inslee is in Seattle today, and planned an announcement intended to increase the vaccination rate. His briefing has just wrapped up. From the announcement:

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a requirement for most state workers, and on-site contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated.

The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. This applies to executive cabinet agencies, but the governor encouraged all others such as higher education, local governments, the legislative branch, other statewide elected officials and organizations in the private sector to do the same. …

You can read the entire announcement here. He made it at Kaiser Permanente on Capitol Hill with other officials including Mayor Jenny Durkan (who was at an unrelated event in West Seattle right before this – more on that later) and King County Executive Dow Constantine, both of whom also announced employee vaccination requirements.

3:39 PM: Here’s the city announcement:

Coinciding with Governor Inslee and King County Executive Constantine announcement to require vaccines for most state employees, health care providers, and county employees, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced City employees will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. This decision has been made in response to rising COVID-19 rates nationwide as the highly-contagious Delta variant spreads through communities across the country, with the overwhelming majority of cases and hospitalizations being among the unvaccinated. This directive applies to all City workers in executive departments, regardless of whether or not they are reporting to the office, unless they have a sincerely held religious or medical exemption. Currently, all employees and visitors are required to wear masks for indoor public settings.

“From the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic to today, Governor Inslee, Executive Constantine and I believe in the importance of speaking as one government. So many small businesses have stepped up to require vaccines and as some of Washington’s largest employers, we are too. The spread of the Delta variant has required that we continue to make decisions that are safe for our employees, their families, and our community. There is no doubt that vaccines work, and that they are our best defense against the highly contagious Delta variant,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Seattle has led the way by listening to our public health officials- it’s why we have the lowest cases, hospitalizations and deaths of every major city. It is crucial that in our workplaces where we work, eat, have meetings, and laugh together, we make sure we are doing what we can to keep ourselves and our colleagues, our children and families, customers, and members of the public safe from serious illness, hospitalization, or death from this virus.”

Seattle is already leading the country on vaccination rates: over 82.5% of residents 12 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. City and countywide data show that vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths even as the state has lifted most capacity restrictions at businesses. There has not been a reported death of a Seattle resident since July 11, and Seattle has averaged some of its lowest hospitalizations over the last four waves.

More than 60% of City employees have returned to their work sites with additional employees expected to continue to return as the City of Seattle safely reopens its public counters, community centers, and libraries in the coming weeks. For individuals who can continue to work remotely, the City of Seattle will allow employees to work on site or telework until at least mid-October.

4:45 PM: Here’s the full King County announcement.

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BIZNOTE: Lake Washington Physical Therapy celebrates West Seattle expansion
July 30, 2021 10:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It was a beautiful Thursday evening for one of West Seattle’s newest businesses to celebrate with an open house. Lake Washington Physical Therapy (WSB sponsor) hosted visitors both in its 1309 Harbor Avenue SW clinic and on the building’s rooftop deck – that’s where we photographed clinic owners Mark Bouma & Laura Bouma (center) with (left-right) LWPT founders Sara Wobker & Ben Wobker and LWPT’s Houghton clinic owners Matt Sato & Kelli Sato. LWPT’s state-of-the-art West Seattle clinic is the first business in the newly constructed Denali building across from the Don Armeni Boat Ramp park.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Junction yoga studio reopening under new ownership
July 28, 2021 10:44 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Earlier this month, we reported that development plans for 4747 California SW are on hold. The site includes two businesses – one of which was a yoga studio that closed last September. Now there’s word it’s reopening under new ownership. From the announcement:

Junction Hot Yoga is pleased to announce the September 4th reopening of the beautiful yoga studio at 4747 California Ave. SW. This location has been a yoga studio for 20 years under five previous owners with a long tradition of great yoga.

Karen and Mikael Weigelt and Audrey (Benton) Tollefsen, the owners of Junction Hot Yoga or JHY, appreciate all the previous owners for their dedication in bringing the practice of yoga to the community. We look forward to serving the West Seattle yoga community as the sixth studio owners in this special location! At Junction Hot Yoga, yoga participants will enjoy a clean, remodeled, and beautiful space.

JHY will be based on the Ghosh lineage Yoga tradition, including “The Ghosh Lineage 26” (formerly referred to as Bikram Yoga). However, JHY will also feature expanded yoga offerings, like Power Vinyasa, Kemetic Flow, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Meditation. The yoga will be primarily taught by a core team of well-trained and experienced yoga Instructors. JHY’s Director, Audrey Tollefsen, has taught yoga for 20 years, and many of those years at this location.

The studio plans a grand-opening weekend September 4-5, with free classes; watch the studio’s website at junctionhotyoga.com.

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