West Seattle, Washington
23 Friday
34 weeks ago tonight, King County announced its first case of COVID-19. Here’s where we are now:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily summary:
*25,969 people have tested positive, 229 more than yesterday’s total
*789 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total
*2,525 people have been hospitalized, 7 more than yesterday’s total
*523.267 people have been tested, 5,631 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals were 24,773/784/2,475/498,283.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 42.1 million cases, 1,143,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.
NEED TESTING? Our weekly reminder – the city-operated testing site in West Seattle – south side of the Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle) – is open Saturdays (as well as weekdays). Go here to choose an appointment time before you go.
VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PLAN: The state has come up with its interim plan. It also has two feedback opportunities – one on prioritizing who would get the vaccine early on. Details on all of the above are here.
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE: The district announced today that it will stay with remote learning until at least the end of this year’s first semester, three months away.
NEED FOOD? The Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church (2620 SW Kenyon) is distributing free boxes of food – dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, bread) 1-4 pm tomorrow (Saturday).
NEW GUIDANCE FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS: Here’s the latest from the governor.
GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
One month ago, SDOT told WSB that a traffic camera for busy West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way would be activated shortly. We checked the Travelers Map every day – no camera. So this week we finally asked SDOT whatever happened to it. Seems it was installed and sending images, but the icon hadn’t been added to the map. Now that’s fixed. There are actually two cameras visible by clicking on the map icon (we’ll of course be adding them both to our West Seattle Traffic Cameras page ASAP), but note that neither has video – just still images – to enable video cameras there, they have to upgrade to a fiber connection, which is under investigation. While we’re talking about SDOT’s map, they asked us to remind you about several useful but hidden features you can access by clicking the “map controls” bar on the left side:
You can use that area to add features to the map such as current travel times and any messages currently displayed on dynamic-message signboards along the roads – plus bridge openings and railroad crossings.
P.S. Next chance to hear from and talk with SDOT about bridge-traffic-related projects is 7 pm Wednesday (October 28th), when they’ll be at the online meeting of HPAC (the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge). Connection information is on this page (scroll to Highland Park community check-in meeting).
Shawn Marie sent the photo – she’s in it with Joanne, and she explains, “She’s 85 years young, she’s had hip and knee replacements, but she hasn’t let it slow her down. Every afternoon this week she has stood for 3+ hours at the corner of Admiral Junction in West Seattle with her sign encouraging people to vote early!” And they certainly have – we checked the stats this afternoon, and as of King County Elections‘ noon update, they had received 225,017 ballots, from among Seattle’s 496,224 registered voters – almost half!
The tallies for specific ballot drop boxes lag a bit (and remember these numbers don’t include ballots sent by USPS mail, so they don’t reflect what total percentage of people here have voted so far), but as of the morning update:
West Seattle Junction – 9,752
High Point Library – 7,230
South Seattle College – 1,259
White Center Library – 4,975
South Park Library – 967
If you’re among those who have already dropped off or sent your ballot, you can go here to verify whether your ballot’s been received. If you’re still waiting to get a ballot – call KCE at 206-296-VOTE. If you haven’t voted yet, the drop boxes are mapped and listed here (and of course you can use the USPS mail too, no stamp necessary). If you haven’t registered yet – you can do it online until Monday (October 26th), or in-person after that, all the way up to Election Day (Tuesday, November 3rd).
This won’t surprise you, but Seattle Public Schools says it felt the need to make an official announcement that remote learning will continue at least through the end of the current school year’s first semester. From Superintendent Denise Juneau:
We are close to the two-month mark for this school year and while we continue to adjust to this new way of remote learning, we’ve received many questions about when SPS students will be able to return for in-person classes in our buildings. Currently, we’ve prioritized only a small number of students who receive special education services for in-person instruction.
We appreciate and hear your concerns and questions. Seattle Public Schools will remain remote with limited in-person instruction through January 28, the first semester of school. This approach is in response to an increase of COVID-19 cases in King County and after consultation with Seattle Education Association, Seattle Council PTSA, and the Principals’ Association of Seattle Schools.
There is also no guarantee that we will be able to increase in-person instruction next semester. There are many factors that need to be considered, as we closely monitor King County COVID-19 transmission rates as well as disproportionate impacts on communities of color.
Next Steps
The week of October 12, a Re-Entry Leadership Team including the Superintendent, representatives from Seattle Education Association, Principals’ Association of Seattle Schools, Seattle Council PTSA, students, and the School Board reconvened to talk about next steps. This team will meet regularly to discuss in-person learning recommendations, including prioritized students, return criteria and benchmarks, model flexibility, and options for families who aren’t ready to return in-person this school year.Transparency and making sure families and staff have opportunities for input will be crucial as the School Board makes challenging decisions.
A public work session on in-person learning will be held November 30, 4 – 5:30 p.m. The SPS community is invited to watch online via SPSTV on YouTube, or on television (Comcast channels 26 and 319, Wave channels 26 and 695, and Century Link channels 8008 and 8508).
We are hoping to provide some certainty in this uncertain time by making this announcement today and commit to keeping you informed and included as more decisions are made going forward. Opportunities to provide feedback directly to staff and the School Board will be shared in the next couple weeks.
In-person learning ended on March 11th; the district announced at the time that schools would close for at least 14 days. Across the country, some districts that reopened schools have closed them again, like Boston.
Next school year, West Seattle Elementary will be closed regardless of the pandemic status; construction will be under way on the project that will expand and modernize the school, including a 2-story, 20,000-sf addition east of the current building, with 12 new classrooms and two learning commons, plus a new entrance, upgraded mechanical systems, new play areas/fields, and technology upgrades. The project is in the permit phase, and Seattle Public Schools has scheduled a community-update meeting. It’ll be online at 6 pm Thursday, November 12th; information on how to watch/participate is on the project webpage, where you can also preview more of the design. The BEX V-levy-funded project, designed by Miller Hayashi Architects, is now budgeted at $28 million; when last we wrote about it in July, the cost was listed as $22 million. Assuming in-person learning has resumed by the 2021-2022 school year, WSES students and staff are expected to spend that year at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, returning to their newly expanded school in fall 2022.
If you watch “The Voice,” you might not realize that one of this season’s artists is a West Seattle music teacher! Phil Gustavson from School of Rock-West Seattle shares the news about Payge Turner:
(Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)
Seattle musician and School of Rock West Seattle teacher Payge Turner wowed the coaches during her blind auditions on season 19 of NBC’s The Voice and joined Team Gwen! Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Payge has lived and performed in the Seattle area for a few years and teaches part-time at The School of Rock in West Seattle. An electric performer, Payge sings and plays keyboards and guitar. She is known for her emotion-filled vocals and her passionate approach to singing and teaching.
Still an independent artist, Payge’s music can be found on Spotify, YouTube and other outlets. Visit her website at www.paygeturnermusic.com for more information.
:”The Voice” is a musical-competition show that airs on NBC Monday and Tuesday nights. Here’s how it works.
(Wednesday at Alki – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Back on Tuesday, we warned you that the first freezing forecast of the year was on the way. Now the National Weather Service has an official alert about it, issuing a “Freeze Watch” for Sunday morning, 2 am-10 am. That means, the NWS says, “Sub-freezing temperatures of 27 to 32 degrees (are) possible.” Highs Sunday and Monday will be in the 40s, then warning to the 50s on Tuesday, the forecast says.
With the weekend in view, we want to be sure you know West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest has begun!
That’s the map for the Harvest Fest Scavenger Hunt – more than a dozen Junction merchants are participating; go get a map (free at participating businesses), and: “Once you’ve found the item, cross it off the map then go to the shopkeeper for your special treat or prize.” Participating businesses are listed here.
That same page shows you where to get cocoa and cider during Harvest Fest (which continues through Halloween). You’re also invited to wander The Junction and admire window decorations – including pumpkins – and six giant spiders!
One more special event to mention – online this (corrected) Monday, October 26, presented by Pegasus Book Exchange:
Spooky Trivia Night! October 26th 7:30-9 pm, on Zoom, family-friendly, prizes for all teams, grand prize of rare book of choice. Special prizes for Best Costume, Best Team Name, and Best Decorations! $25/team up to 6 people (email us to sign up!)
Register via pegasusbookexchange@gmail.com – and enjoy Harvest Fest weekend #1! (WSB is a festival co-sponsor.)
6:21 AM: Welcome to Friday – the 214th morning without the West Seattle Bridge, which closed exactly seven months ago tonight.
ROAD WORK, ETC.
*Delridge project: Edmunds will be closed at Delridge starting at 9 this morning, continuing through Sunday, reopening by early Monday. Then starting Monday, SW Alaska closes east of Delridge. Here are details for the week ahead.
*Tunnel closure: Tonight through Saturday morning (October 23-24), the Highway 99 tunnel will close both ways for maintenance, 10 pm-6 am.
CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here are two cameras:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s the nearest camera:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Fare collection has resumed.
Water Taxi – Also no longer free.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
The latest news and numbers on the pandemic’s local impact:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*25,740 people have tested positive, up 186 from yesterday’s total
*789 people have died, up 2 from yesterday’s total
*2,518 people have been hospitalized, up 2 from yesterday’s total
*517,636 people have been tested, up 3,202 from yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals were 24,649/782/2,472/494,372.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 41.6 million cases worldwide, 8.4 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.
TRICK OR STREET: The city’s “Stay Healthy Blocks” temporary-permit offer now has morphed into a suggestion for closing your non-arterial street for safely distanced Halloween revelry.
NEED FOOD? Free emergency food boxes are available again 2-5 pm tomorrow at Food Lifeline HQ (815 S. 96th) … On Saturday (October 24th), the Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church (2620 SW Kenyon) is also distributing free boxes of food – dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, bread) 1-4 pm.
CAN YOU GIVE? Friends of Roxhill Elementary is raising money to get grocery cards to families in need.
IMMIGRANT RELIEF FUND: Announced by the governor’s office:
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is now open for applications. The relief fund will provide $40 million in federal funds allocated by the state to assist Washington workers who miss work due to COVID-19, but are unable to access federal stimulus programs and other social supports due to their immigration status. While the fund is operational, eligible recipients will receive $1,000, with a limit of $3,000 per household.
Go here to apply.
GOT PHOTOS/TIPS? 206-293-6302, text or voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(SDOT video of Wednesday’s full Community Task Force meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A day and a half after receiving the information-dense Cost-Benefit Analysis reviewing West Seattle Bridge options, Community Task Force members got their first chance to ask questions about it.
The 89-page report was almost done before the ballyhooed new “rapid span replacement” possibility went public, so the discussion took place somewhat in its shadow, and immediately after the first half of Wednesday’s CTF meeting was spent on a presentation on that unvetted option (WSB coverage here) – something that hasn’t been done for any of the other possibilities, so far.
SDOT‘s bridge-project leader Heather Marx opened with a warning: “None of the numbers you see here should be referred to as ‘estimates’ SDOT would have preferred ranges but this type of study requires choosing a number, she said. She also stressed what the CBA is not:
From Sharon in the 9400 block of 20th SW:
Heads up. West Seattle neighbors:
Between 9 pm and 5:25 am today, our 2007 Toyota Prius had the catalytic converter stolen. They cut out the front and back flanges that hold it there (better resale value, because it can be sold as complete). They even took the bolts. Husband took to muffler shop and someone else was there that got hit last night too.
Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner recently sent an alert including advice on how to protect your car.
The Roxhill Elementary school community is casting a wider net to help feed local families in need. Maybe you can chip in too. Jessica sent us this note:
A large number of families at Roxhill Elementary in West Seattle are facing food insecurity. Friends of Roxhill Elementary (FORE), the school PTO, has organized a fundraiser to help out. All donations are tax-deductible!
A lot of Roxhill Elementary families have donated, but we’re a small school of about 250 students. 70% of our students are on free or reduced lunch and 30% of our families are supported by the Seattle Housing Authority. So we really need help from the great folks in West Seattle, not just our school, to hit our fundraising goal.
If you can help, go here.
(Added: WSB photo)
3:02 PM: A big Seattle Fire response is arriving for a reported natural-gas leak at Oregon 42 (42nd SW/SW Oregon). They’re blocking some of the streets – including Oregon between 41st and California, and 42nd between Genesee and Alaska – until the situation is handled. Updates to come.
3:06 PM: They haven’t yet found the source of the possible leak, and air readings are NOT showing natural gas – they’ve just noted a “sewer” type of odor in the building – so they’re likely about to downsize the response. PSE is there helping to investigate.
3:15 PM: The incident log shows all but four responding units have been dismissed.
3:18 PM: And just announced over the emergency-radio channel, “Confirmed false.” Wrapping up, roads reopening. Our crew at the scene has confirmed that neither SFD nor PSE could find any evidence of a problem.
Today we welcome David Hooper, CFA, as a new WSB sponsor. New sponsors get an opportunity to tell you about what they do:
“As a financial advisor who is affiliated only with a Registered Investment Advisor, I must always act as a Fiduciary. I have a legal and ethical responsibility to always put my client’s priorities first. Each of my clients has a written financial plan that’s customized to their specific objectives. This ensures that we’re on the same page working toward the same goals. I manage each and every investment accounts personally, so I can make sure the client’s investment strategy is on track to help reach their goals. People know that I care about their financial well-being. Also, being an independent advisor reduces the number of potential conflicts of interest of a large investment firm and allows me to focus on my clients.
“My clients appreciate the way I can take complex and intimidating industry jargon and explain it in a way that makes sense to them. It’s my job to empower my clients with investment knowledge and not confuse them with industry jargon.
“I believe in being authentic and always try not come off as a pushing salesperson. As an experienced professional with more than 25 years in the investment management, portfolio management, and financial-advising industry. I take the trust that my clients have given me seriously, and have earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and my MBA from the UW Foster School of Business, both of which enable me to do my job better.”
David’s community involvement includes siting on the board of the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA and is a member of Burien’s BNI Networking Chapter. You can contact him by going here.
We thank David Hooper, CFA, 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.
From the WSB inbox:
Super exciting news. The USPS collection box has just been installed after months of being on hiatus. It is at the corner of 63rd Ave SW and Hinds. I have attached a picture of the new box with cross streets amd information on address and official collection times. The people of Alki are going to be so excited.
Sincerely,
Their mailman
(The 4412 California SW location is the Post Office in The Junction.)
(Design by Karen Kiest Landscape Architects)
That’s the final design for Hiawatha‘s to-be-relocated play area, as just announced by Seattle Parks:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is happy to announce the completion of the final concept design for the new play area at Hiawatha Playfield. To review the design, (go here) or view a large concept design board at the park near the adult fitness equipment. Karen Kiest Landscape Architects worked with SPR and input from the community to develop the final design concept. Thank you to the community for their participation in this design. Hiawatha Playfield is in West Seattle at 2700 California Ave. SW.
The goal of this project is to transfer the location of the play area from the north end of the park to the grass area just south of the wading pool. The project includes new play equipment for children 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 years, swings, a small plaza, and restoration of the old play area site. The new location will improve visibility and access for all.
Play area construction is planned to start in the summer of 2021 and end in December 2021, along with restoration of the old play site. Other areas of Hiawatha Playfield will remain open during construction. However, there are other projects in the planning stages for this area (community center renovation and athletic field turf replacement).
Funding for this play area project is provided by the Seattle Park District. The Seattle Park District provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding to tackle the $267 million major maintenance backlog for Seattle Parks and Recreation as well as other facilities including the Aquarium and Zoo. The Seattle Park District helps improve and rehabilitate community centers, preserves the urban forest, performs day-to-day maintenance of parks and facilities, provides more recreation opportunities for people from underserved communities, supports programs for people of all ages and abilities, and acquires and develops new park land.
Separate from this project, the city has announced – as we reported early in the budget-review process – that Hiawatha Community Center itself is expected to be closed for all of next year because of its own renovation work. An update on that project is here.
Family and friends will remember Omar W. Sommer today, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:
On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Omar Wayne Sommer died at the age of 94, in Seattle, Washington, of congestive heart failure. Omar was born to Walter and Alice Sommer on December 25, 1925, in Waco, Nebraska, and was the oldest of four boys. His family moved from Nebraska eventually into Washington State, and made their home in Winlock, Washington. A brother to Raymond, Wilbur, and Howard, Omar was a child of the Depression and at one time picked ferns to sell to a local florist for a penny each.
Omar served in the United States Navy during World War II and was in Pearl Harbor preparing to ship out when the war ended. Using the GI bill, he graduated from Washington State University with an engineering degree and was primarily employed at the Boeing Company, working in Seattle, Kent, and Everett over the years.
On June 3rd, 1956, Omar wedded Pearl Margaret Cohrs, and they were blessed in marriage for 61 years until Pearl’s death in 2017. They made their home in Seattle, where Omar was a loving father to Cheryl-deceased (Kent, grandchildren Derek & Ian); Loren (Bernadette, grandchild Rachel); Alan (Beth, grandchildren Abigail & David); Neal (Elissa, grandchildren Joshua & Brooke).
He is also survived by his brother Howard; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.
Omar was baptized into the Christian faith on January 1, 1926, and was confirmed in Utica, Nebraska. A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, he worshipped at Hope Lutheran Church in Seattle for many years, where he also served as an Elder, Bible study leader, and on the school board at Hope Lutheran School. He was the “signboard guy” at Hope when his children were younger, and often recruited them to help.
Omar loved fishing and gardening, and took care of his yard into his early 90s, also helping with the irrigation system at church. He had a wide knowledge of plants, trees, and animals, and taught his children to love fishing and camping.
A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 11:30 am, and a memorial service for family will also be accessible for others via Zoom on the 22nd at 4:00 pm.
Omar was preceded in death by his brothers Wilbur and Raymond, his daughter Cheryl, and his wife Pearl. We rejoice in the gift of eternal life and salvation given by Jesus, the crucified and risen Savior.
Nearly 2 years ago, a stroke left him unable to speak well. He was always quick to share a smile. Everyone always commented about how nice he was. Clearly the love of Jesus was shining brightly through him.
Please share memories of Omar and condolences with his family at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Omar-Sommer
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(Moment of rest for an Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Quick look at what’s up today/tonight:
FLU SHOTS: Another drive-up clinic, 10 am-5:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle). Open to all; the city is covering costs for people without insurance. Our preview explains how to get an appointment.
TRIBUTE TO RBG: The West Seattle Democratic Women‘s monthly meeting online at 11 am today includes a tribute to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If you are interested in attending, email wsdwomen@yahoo.com ASAP.
DEMONSTRATION: Scott‘s twice-weekly sign-waving for Black lives is 4-6 pm at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have one.
BUSINESS NETWORKING: Do it online with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 5:30-7:30 pm. Our calendar listing explains how to participate.
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm online, with SDOT guests featured to discuss the newly released West Seattle Bridge Cost-Benefit Analysis as well as the Stay Healthy Streets program. Attendance info is in the WSTC calendar listing.
ONLINE BENEFIT CONCERT: Three musicians perform in an online concert presented at 8 pm by the Pigeon Point Anti-racism Project, benefiting the Black Voters Matter Fund. Our preview explains how to watch.
UPDATED 8:28 AM: Crash on West Marginal Way SW (thanks for the tip), east of the 5-way intersection per SDOT, which says all lanes are blockrd. At least one person is hurt.
8:34 AM: One lane is now open, SB. 3 vehicles need to be towed, per radio communication.
8:39 AM: Now one lane each way, “intermittently,” and two tow trucks are arriving.
8:52 PM: Added a framegrab from the SDOT camera. The third vehicle will be moved off the road without a tow.
9:16 AM: Cleanup now, and officer just radioed, “we should be opening it back up soon.”
Earlier:
6:21 AM: Welcome to Thursday – the 213rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK, ETC.
*Delridge project: Edmunds will be closed at Delridge Friday through Sunday (October 23-25), reopening by early Monday, as announced yesterday. Otherwise, here are the weekly highlights.
*Tunnel closure: Friday night-Saturday morning (October 23-24), the Highway 99 tunnel will close both ways for maintenance, 10 pm-6 am.
CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here are two cameras:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s the nearest camera:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Fare collection has resumed.
Water Taxi – Also no longer free.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Tonight’s local/regional pandemic-related toplines:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*25.554 people have tested positive, 187 more than yesterday’s total
*787 people have died, 2 more than yesterday’s total
*2,516 people have been hospitalized, 8 more than yesterday’s total
*514.434 people have been tested, 3,487 more than yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals (plus testing) were 24,500/782/2,467/490.206.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
GOOD NEWS, BUT DON’T GET COMPLACENT: The state reports:
According to public data gathered by the New York Times, Washington’s current new case rate is 7th-lowest in the nation. COVID-19 landed here first, but our state has been among the best in fighting back. Your efforts to limit gatherings, mask up, and conduct safe business have been successful – they must continue to reverse a recent spike.
THANKSGIVING TRADITION, PANDEMIC STYLE: The Hall at Fauntleroy has announced that it will keep up its long-running annual tradition of a free Thanksgiving feast, but this year it’ll be a take-away meal. They’re also seeking donations – details here.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
9:11 PM: On Halloween, a day when fake blood is used to scare, your real blood can be used to help. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is sponsoring a half-day blood drive on Halloween afternoon – noon-4 pm Saturday, October 31st, at The Sanctuary at Admiral (2656 42nd SW). Sign up now for a donation appointment – no walk-ups during the pandemic – just go here to choose a time. Bloodworks Northwest notes, “As an additional benefit, donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.” Want more info about donating? Go here.
EARLY THURSDAY: There were 12 spots open when we published this, but it looks like they’ve all been spoken for. If that’s what you find too – check BWNW’s site for other opportunities!
6:49 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo. Seattle Public Utilities is at the scene of a water break at 51st and Spokane. The SPU water-outage map says 36 customers have lost water as a result. Even if your water is still oh, problems like this might cause discolored water for others nearby.
8:27 PM: Still out, per map. And we’ve heard via comment and email from people as far as half a mile away who are seeing discolored water as a result.
10:25 PM: Water’s back on. Commenter Jen says it came back around quarter till 10; the map says everyone was back by 10:05 pm. (If you’re not, be sure to notify SPU at 206-386-1800.)
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