West Seattle, Washington
31 Sunday
Lots of questions about why the windows are papered over at Talarico’s Pizzeria in The Junction. Obviously it’s not open for pickup/delivery – while many others are – but some worried that the covered windows meant something more. Tonight, we finally have the answer – after asking Phil Tavel, who has long hosted Wednesday night trivia, if he could find out. He did: “They are taking the opportunity to do a little work on the place and since they decided not to do takeout, it was just an easy way to make it clear they aren’t open. They will be back when the lockdown lifts. And trivia will be back as well.”
6:34 PM: At 8:49 pm, spring officially arrives – that’s the equinox moment. Right now, a West Seattle change-of-seasons tradition is happening as it has, four times a year for the past decade – West Seattle astronomy educator Alice Enevoldsen is leading her change-of-seasons sunset-watch event. But because of social distancing, it’s online this time – 6:30-7:30 pm, webcast via Zoom – click here to join. (Read more about her sunset watches here.)
7:20 PM: The webcast just wrapped up. We monitored the second half; about 20 others tuned in, and the sunset was spectacular. No recording but we added a screengrab above – her daughters assisting as always. If this had been a “normal” season-change sunset watch, Alice would have been at Solstice Park, explaining the equinox/solstice.
It was lovely! @westseattleblog Happy equinox! pic.twitter.com/I19uIUQl5W
— Alice's AstroInfo (@AlicesAstroInfo) March 20, 2020
ADDED: Photos, courtesy of Jason Enevoldsen:
The good news: Lots of interest in helping ensure blood is available. The not-as-good news: If you signed up for the March 27th drive at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), you need to re-register – there’s a new location. WSR co-proprietor Tim McConnell explains:
The West Seattle Runner Blood Drive had to be moved, as Bloodworks Northwest could no longer have blood drives on their buses due to social distancing issues.
The event has been moved to the Combat Arts Academy of Seattle, 5050 Delridge Way SW. It is now listed as West Seattle Community Blood Drive, and is combining 3 different drives into this one day. Anyone who signed up for the drive in front of West Seattle Runner needs to reschedule for this new event, as all appointments have been cancelled.
The new link is schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/GroupLanding.aspx?s=437B
We appreciate everyone who signed up; we had more than 45 people schedule in less than 4 hours, such a great response! Please be sure to reschedule, as blood donations are at a critically low level.
Thanks, Lori and Tim – West Seattle Runner
New restrictions announced by the governor this afternoon:
Gov. Inslee announced new restrictions today on non-urgent medical and dental procedures so the state can make sure Washington health care workers have enough protective equipment to wear as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s order applies to any non-urgent procedure that requires medical professionals to wear personal protective equipment.
This impacts all hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices in Washington. The governor’s proclamation makes clear that this restriction does not apply to treatment for patients with emergency and urgent needs.
There are exceptions. For example, doctors can perform an elective surgery if delaying the surgery would cause harm to the patient within the next three months.
“We know the health care personal protective equipment supply chain in Washington has been severely disrupted by the significant increased use of such equipment worldwide,” Inslee said. “We will do all we can to protect the women and men who protect us.”
Banned procedures include (but are not limited to):
most joint replacements
most cataract and lens surgeries
non-urgent cardiac procedures
cosmetic procedures
some endoscopy
some interventional radiology servicesThis order does not apply to patients with heart attacks, strokes or motor vehicle accidents. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers may perform surgery as long as a delay or cancellation would worsen the patient’s condition. For example, the prohibition would not apply to a patient who needs a serious cancerous tumor removed, or a patient who needs their dentist to relieve pain or manage an infection.
Inslee encourages ambulatory surgery centers to work with their local hospitals and assist with surge capacity needs.
“We’ve come together to make intense sacrifices over the past week or two,” Inslee said. “And I thank all of you for what you’re doing. Today’s crucial announcement is another way we can protect the health of our communities and families, and slow the spread of this virus so our health care systems have a fighting chance to catch up and continue keeping us healthy.”
For more detailed information, we encourage practitioners to reach out to their specific associations, boards or commissions.
(Added) Commenter Rar noted that the news release above did not set an end date. Here’s the actual proclamation (PDF), which says, until May 18th.
Another collection of miscellaneous West Seattle business updates we’ve received (thank you!):
CANNA WEST SEATTLE (5440 California SW; WSB sponsor): Here’s an update on how things are working:
Canna West Seattle is now offering curbside pickup for its medical marijuana patients. The WSLCB has implemented emergency protocol to allow it to provide curbside service to MMJ patients and designated providers in order to offer options for social distancing for those that may have compromised immune systems. This is the process:
Place an order in person when they arrive, or over the phone or online via this Leafly link.
Make sure to bring extra cash in case the order is a little more than expected for any reason.
Make sure to bring MMJ Card and identification.
Canna has to serve customers on its property. Customers will call 206-466-1465 when they arrive and a representative will meet them at the bottom of the stairs.Those who are not MMJ patients or designated providers can also opt for a minimal contact in-store pickup. Those who take advantage of in-store pickup will be rewarded with 10% off their total order and 10 Loyalty points. Curbside service is open regular hours, 8:00 am – 11:30 pm daily.
WEST SEATTLE NURSERY (California/Brandon): The nursery sent this update for customers:
Our business has not been asked specifically to close, so for now, we will remain open. We want to help you enjoy the benefits of gardening at this difficult time, while making sure we are minimizing the risk for customers and employees. This is what we are doing …
Part of our decision to stay open was recognizing that most of our business is done outside in fresh air, which limits the opportunity for transmission. However, in keeping with Governor Inslee’s direction, we will limit the number of people inside our buildings to 10.
We have stepped up our cleaning efforts, including wiping down door handles and point-of-sale pads with disinfectant every hour.
If any of our employees feel ill, they are instructed to stay home. (They have paid time off.)
We encourage people to place phone orders. 206-935-9276 You can pick your order up at the nursery, or we will deliver. Remember that we deliver for free in West Seattle.
If you live with a family member who is ill, or you feel unwell, have a cough or fever, please do not come to the nursery. We can deliver to your home in West Seattle and leave your items in a spot that you designate so that you don’t have to come into contact with anyone.
Thank you for supporting local business. We appreciate your patience while we adjust to the nearly daily changes in health recommendations. Together, we will get through this.
ALKI BIKE & BOARD (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor): Speaking of limiting the number of people in a business – here’s the sign AB&B has up:
(Thanks to Clay Eals for sending the pic.)
FLOURISH BEAUTY, SPRUCE APOTHECARY, JUNIPER NAILS: From proprietor Tiann Stubblefield:
I’m the owner of 3 local West Seattle businesses for the last 6 years. I employ 33 women at all 3 shops. We are closed temporarily due to COVID-19.
Flourish Beauty – Salon & Spa – opened 5.5 years – employs 19 women
We are offering curbside pickup this Saturday 3/21 from 10-3. Call or email us to place your order for pickup. We have gift certificates available for purchase anytime via our websiteSpruce Apothecary – opened 1 year ago – employs 7 women
We have an online store www.spruceaopthecary.co and gift certificates are available for purchase.
We are a clean beauty and wellness lifestyle store + holistic spa studio
We are offering orders over the phone and curbside pickup and delivery. Our website is also functioning and we have a 2-day turnaround with processing order at this time.Juniper Nails – opened 4.5 years ago – employs 7 women
We are a natural nail salon. We have gift certificates available for purchase anytime via our website .
DE VRIEZE/CARNEY LAW OFFICES (3909 California SW): From Heather de Vrieze:
Our offices are OPEN. We are limiting in-person appointments, and carefully sanitizing regularly and between any visitors.
Wills and other estate planning can be even more important at times like these, and getting important tasks like this addressed can give peace of mind.
While it still takes in-person meetings to sign a Will, the initial planning and drafting process can be done remotely via email and phone communication. Might be the perfect project for folks to address while they are keeping safely distanced in their homes.
Got a business update? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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.
(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.
(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.”
Among those who can’t work from home: The crews that are completing the big Avalon/35th/Alaska road project are continuing work. SDOT has just sent an update:
Currently, the Seattle Department of Transportation is planning to continue with construction in your area. We are working closely with our Public Health — Seattle & King County partners, our construction management teams, and private contractors to ensure that everyone supporting this project is cautious and safe. If there are changes to the construction schedule or planned work, we will notify you once public information is available.
Next week- temporary closing the slip lane at Fauntleroy:
We will be working next week at the slip lane on SW Avalon Way that enters onto Fauntleroy Way SW as early as Tuesday, March 24. We anticipate this slip lane to be closed for 2 days. The slip lane will then reopen until we complete final paving and striping. Please be aware, that at the completion of the project, the slip lane will be removed.Early April- final asphalt paving on SW Avalon Way:
We wanted to let you know that we are preparing to pave the asphalt road from Fauntleroy Way SW to just west of the 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way intersection (Zone D) along SW Avalon Way as early as April 6.At this time, we anticipate work to take place at night, after 7 PM. Crews have a temporary noise variance to complete this work overnight to minimize noise and traffic impacts as much as possible. Please note that this work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled due to wet weather and with any new updates regarding COVID-19.
What to expect during paving:
-Anticipated work hours: 7 PM to 7 AM
-Driveway and parking lot temporary closures: You will not be able to go in or out of driveways or parking lots on SW Avalon Way when the road is closed
-Crews will open driveways as they are cured and ready
-Once SW Avalon Way is open, access to cars for people walking will be maintained when parked in driveways and on side streets; please use designated crossings for your safety
-Construction activities: Expect noise, tar-like odors, and large equipment
-Fresh pavement is hot, oily, and extremely sticky. Please keep off new pavement if you are walking, especially with dogs, as the oil and pavement can harm their feet and be difficult to remove from fur.
-Emergency access: Access will be maintained at all times for emergency vehicles during this work
-If you have accessibility concerns or concerns about nighttime paving, please contact us right away: 206-900-8734
Once the aforementioned asphalt paving is done, that’s when the city says other finishing touches such as permanent striping will happen (here is our big-picture update from January).
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?
● In-person shopping at our store will only be available for customers with personal shopping appointments.
● 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!
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
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.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:20 AM: Good morning. If you’re still commuting, or just interested in traffic volumes, here’s the regular morning camera roundup.
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.”
On the last night of winter, Alki was a popular place. We drove over for a look after several people messaged us, worried that too lttle social distancing was happening. Most of what we saw was people walking in couples or family groups – but not all – remember, keep your distance! Meantime, it was defintely a lot like a summer night – cars and motorycles being shown off:
The wind and waves finally calmed down – but earlier this week, some great scenes we wanted to share before it’s too late:
The view above is from David Hutchinson – below, looking the other way, from Theresa Arbow-O’Connor:
And this one, also from earlier in the week, is by Chris Frankovich:
More sunshine is forecast tomorrow – and then at 6:30, join Alice Enevoldsen‘s equinox sunset watch online!
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 3/16Of 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:
Found this uplifting note on a utility
pole in Seaview @westseattleblog #StayStrongSeattle #WeGotThisWA pic.twitter.com/dxBbbLJ4VM— Robin L (@Sodo1st) March 18, 2020
(Added) We’ve since learned the author of that musing is Kitty O’Meara.
Crime’s down but not out.
PACKAGES TAKEN: The video is from Sydney in Fairmount Springs, who reports:
I wanted to share that our Arlo security camera captured a man in broad daylight dressed in a neon vest with a fake scanner stealing two packages off of our front porch when my husband and I were on a walk with our son and dog. This occurred in the Fairmount Springs neighborhood at 41st and Juneau within 4 hours of the packages being delivered. I wanted to share so that our community can be on the lookout for this man and this type of crime. We did file a report with the police as well.
GARDENING THIEVES? Geoff in Seaview sent this report Tuesday:
We just went into our backyard to do some work and discovered that sometime in the past 24 hours someone stole over a yard of bagged topsoil from our backyard.
It must have been quite the operation, but we didn’t see or hear anyone. We’re near the intersection of 46th and Juneau.
(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.
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.
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
(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
(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!
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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