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Spotlight Stories

PORT UPDATE: Terminal 5’s first-phase schedule slips a quarter
June 22, 2020 12:42 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Pigeon Point | Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(Port photos from February T-5 update)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Updates on the Terminal 5 modernization project were part of two recent West Seattle meetings – the Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

“The need for T-5 is as relevant as ever,” Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck declared while presenting the annual “State of the Port” speech to the Chamber – usually given at an outdoor lunch at Jack Block Park, but presented online this year due to COVID-19.

The PPNC also met online. T-5’s project manager Emma Del Vento told the group that the project’s first-phase construction schedule is running behind.

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CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 6/21 roundup
June 21, 2020 8:47 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 6/21 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Wrapping up a relatively quiet weekend, here’s our nightly virus-crisis roundup:

KING COUNTY’S NEWEST NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*9,234 people have tested positive, up 69 from yesterday

*584 people have died, down 1 from yesterday (data correction)

*1,541 people have been hospitalized, up 1 from yesterday

*141,474 people have been tested, up 580 from yesterday

One week ago, the totals were 8,751/574/1,520/123,508.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

MORE BUS & WATER TAXI RUNS: Starting tomorrow, “reduced service” will be a bit less reduced.

HOW’S YOUR INDUSTRY/OCCUPATION? The state has released a new report on how the pandemic is affecting industries/occupations. The largest number, the summary says, “is associated with health-care workers and people who provide health-care support.”

DATAPOINT: We asked the city what all those COVID-19 park signs have cost.

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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MONDAY: Some Metro bus, Water Taxi service returns
June 21, 2020 5:59 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from March, MV Doc Maynard at Seacrest)

We’re reminding you tonight that Metro and the King County Water Taxi are restoring some service tomorrow, after months of much-reduced service levels. For the Water Taxi, you can see the new schedule here. You’re reminded that “it’s important to note that social distancing passenger limits are in effect on the water taxi. The typical capacity aboard both Doc Maynard and Sally Fox is 278 passengers. With current COVID restrictions, we’re limited to 86 passengers on each vessel.” The shuttles, Routes 773 and 775, return to service too. As for Metro, here’s what’s coming back. You can also check here for canceled trips. The system is still fare-free, and buses are still running at reduced capacity too.

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Fauntlee Hills siblings’ lemonade fundraiser
June 21, 2020 4:30 pm
|    Comments Off on Fauntlee Hills siblings’ lemonade fundraiser
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Just in via text:

Right now! Father’s Day fundraiser Lemonade stand. Proceeds go to Black Lives Matter. Hosted by 8 & 6 year old siblings. Fauntlee Hills. 41st/SW Trenton.

They’ll be there until 6 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Black Lives Matter street murals planned for The Junction
June 21, 2020 2:42 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo, West Seattle Junction, June 6th)

Where thousands of people stood in support of the Black Lives Matter movement just two weeks ago in the West Seattle Junction, two street murals are now planned. Stephanie Kramer says two murals are planned on the street itself – one at California/Alaska one at California/Oregon – roughly 53′ by 20′, to be painted on a day when the street is already closed for the Farmers’ Market. The announcement:

West Seattle Art for Social Justice is a collective of educators and local small business owners with an intent of elevating the voices of BIPOC & LGBTQIA BIPOC youth and adults through arts initiatives.

Inspired by the many communities coming together to create art as a beacon for systemic change, we are inspired & honored to be organizing this important art piece at the West Seattle Junction. Artists from the greater Seattle community will be working together to create this important piece of art in late July with support of the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Farmers Market.

Artist bios and information will be featured on the WS Art for Social Justice BLM mural page [on social media] and inquiries can be sent to wsartforsocialjustice@gmail.com. To support this work, please see our gofundme @ gf.me/u/x9pasi

Each letter of the two murals – each reading BLACK LIVES MATTER – will have a separate artist, so, 32 in all.

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SIGN-DEMIC: Here’s what all those COVID-19-related park signs have cost
June 21, 2020 1:00 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

While at Alki last night to cover the Moon Dancers, we noticed the newest Seattle Parks pandemic-related signage. It’s the latest in what’s been a three-month-long series of signage, from closures to social-distancing exhortations. We wondered how many signs have been made and how much the city has spent, so at week’s end, we asked. Here’s the reply from Seattle Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin:

Since the pandemic began, SPR has spend $87,757 on signage for over 4,000 signs.

The signs have all been made by United Reprographics, a black-owned business that the City often uses for larger printing and signage needs. These funds have come out of our Operating Budget, and may be eligible for reimbursement for federal dollars for COVID response.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Online services, giving, receiving, more…
June 21, 2020 6:34 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

(Friday’s sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

It’s summer’s first Sunday! Here’s our list of what’s happening today, starting with this week’s updated links for West Seattle churches’ online services, most livestreamed, some not:

ADMIRAL UCC: The video service is here. Also – follow that link to see how to join 11:15 am sharing and 11:45 am coffee hour.

ALKI UCC: 10 am online service, via Zoom – info and link on church’s home page.

ALL SOULS SEATTLE (WSB sponsor): Online worship will be linked here at 10 am.

ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 10 am.

BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, 7 pm.

CALVARY CHAPEL: Service is viewable here, plus 11 am fellowship via Zoom, 6 pm all-church prayer and 7 pm evening worship (info on home page).

EASTRIDGE CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 9 am and 11 am.

FAUNTLEROY UCC: Livestreaming on the church’s YouTube channel at 10 am.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WEST SEATTLE: Today’s online liturgy is here.

GRACE CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10:30 am.

HALLOWS CHURCH: Streaming at 10 am via the church’s YouTube channel.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming in English at 8:30 am, en Español at 10 am, all here.

HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 9:30 am here.

HOPE LUTHERAN: Today’s worship service and children’s story are viewable here.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 10 am, both here.

PEACE LUTHERAN: Livestreaming at 10:30 am on YouTube.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Viewable on YouTube: All Ages Sunday School at 10 am, Morning Prayer at 10:15 am (here’s today’s bulletin), Kids’ Club at 11:30 am.

TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (WSB sponsor): The video service for today will be viewable here.

TRINITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10 am.

WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: The video service for today is viewable here.

WEST SEATTLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Livestreaming here, 11 am.

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN Livestreaming at 10 am on the church’s YouTube channel.

WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION: Livestreaming via Zoom, 10:30 am.

WESTWOOD CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: Online worship at 11 am; info here.

Any other churches to add? Please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Also today:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm. Here’s the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska)

DONATION DRIVE: As previewed here, food and more will be accepted outside Alki UCC, 10 am-4 pm. (6115 SW Hinds)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.4 feet at 11:43 am.

FREE TO-GO DINNER: High Point Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)

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Car catches fire after driver hits pole
June 21, 2020 1:13 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Thanks to SF for the photo. That car caught fire at 42nd/Charlestown after the driver hit a pole. Apparently no serious injuries – no medic unit was sent. Radio communication indicated the driver got out OK. No other details.

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WELCOME, SUMMER: Moon Dancers on Alki
June 20, 2020 11:56 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Right after summer’s first sunset, Moon Dancers appeared on Alki tonight, twirling their way along the beach.

We got the advance alert from Denise, who explained that she and some friends created the dance for this year’s virtual version of the Fremont Solstice Parade, and they “had so much fun doing the shoot that we decided to do a guerrilla performance at Alki on the Solstice.”

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

(If you missed the Solstice Parade when it was livestreamed Saturday afternoon, the video is archived here – you can see the Moon Dancers at 1:09:30.)

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 6/20 roundup
June 20, 2020 11:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Locally, the pandemic has now spanned a full season – here’s the roundup for the first night of summer:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative numbers from Public Health‘s daily-summary dashboard:

*9,165 people have tested positive, 69 more than yesterday

*585 people have died, 1 more than yesterday

*1,540 people have been hospitalized, no change from yesterday

*140,894 people have been tested, 3,582 more than yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 8,700/574/1,518/117,097.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: More than 8.7 million people have tested positive. Most cases: U.S., Brazil, Russia, India, United Kingdom. See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: On again tomorrow, 10 am-2 pm. The market-management organization’s new website means a new format for the vendor list, plus a map – scroll down this page to find both.

FOOD DRIVE: If you can donate, Alki UCC is collecting food and more outside the church 10 am-4 pm tomorrow.

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Catalytic-converter theft; car prowl; signs stolen
June 20, 2020 8:53 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports:

CATALYTIC CONVERTER STOLEN: From Maya:

I want to alert people to the fact that my Prius had its catalytic converter cut out this morning around 10:35 am at the 8400 block of Fauntleroy Place (by the one-way street near Lincoln Park). My neighbor scared off a car parts thief as they were finishing up.

They sped off, without time to close their trunk or pick up all of their things, not stopping at the stop sign.

Maya’s neighbor got the getaway car on camera but this is the only sharable frame:

CAR PROWL: From Al on Myers Way:

On 6/16/2020 my truck was broken into. The perpetrator stole everything from the inside of the vehicle, attempted to steal a tool box that was secured with a cable and lock, left and came back two hours later with a torch to cut the handles off the tool box.

Al says the thief got away in the light-colored 1992 Toyota Paseo you see him putting items into, license plate starting with BNX.

SIGNS STOLEN: From Mary in Fauntleroy:

Two signs, one Black Lives Matter, the other In Our House We Believe…. Two were also stolen from next-door neighbor and one down the hill. We live on 44th Ave SW above Endolyne Joe’s.

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SUNDAY: Help feed people in need via Alki UCC food (and more) drive
June 20, 2020 6:41 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY: Help feed people in need via Alki UCC food (and more) drive
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

That’s a photo of community generosity as received during one of Alki UCC’s food-and-more drives this spring. If you can give, tomorrow’s your next chance. Here’s the reminder:

Thanks to our community’s generosity, Alki United Church of Christ (Alki UCC) is once again accepting donations outside our building for an In-Person, Socially-Distanced Food Drive at 6115 SW Hinds this Sunday, June 21 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Contributions of non-perishable food and other items will be distributed via the White Center Food Bank; top requests include Canned Meat/Soup/Fruit (pop‐top cans preferred), Rice, Noodles, Peanut Butter, Oats, Toilet Paper, Diapers, Similac Formula, Cleaning Supplies, Hand Sanitizer and Baby Wipes.

The drive benefits our vulnerable neighbors in need, those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID 19. Check alkiucc.org for updates.

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UPDATE: Water-rescue callout at Duwamish Head – false alarm
June 20, 2020 5:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

5:33 PM: Seattle Fire has a water-rescue callout arriving in the 1100 block of Alki SW. We’re headed that way too. Updates to come…

(Added: Photo sent by Jan, as response wrapped up)

5:36 PM: Per radio communication, there was a report of a missing swimmer but that was a false alarm. Response is being downsized. SFD also just verified that via Twitter.

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: Major work launching for Delridge Way RapidRide H Line repaving-and-more project
June 20, 2020 4:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

If you live, work, and/or have traveled along the north half-plus of Delridge Way in the past few days, you’ve seen crews staging in a big way for the repaving-and-more project that’s preceding the RapidRide H Line conversion. Here’s what happens in the coming week, SDOT says:

What to expect the week of June 22

We will work in all three zones at the same time, from north to south on Delridge Way SW. No-Parking signs will be posted on both sides of the street in each phase of work to shift traffic around the work zones.

Work by zone

Zone A (West Seattle Bridge to SW Findlay St)

Curb ramp removal at SW Charlestown St
As early as Monday, June 22 we will be removing the northern curb ramp at SW Charlestown St. This work is expected last for one day. Please follow any posted pedestrian detour routes.
Access to the parking lot at SW Charlestown St may be restricted

Demolition work from SW Charlestown St to SW Dakota St
For the next few weeks, we will be completing demolition work in the roadway and sidewalk between SW Charlestown St and SW Dakota St. Lanes will be shifted around the work zone.

SW Genesee and SW Oregon streets
We will continue conducting utility and storm work. Please expect traffic to be shifted to one side of Delridge Way SW.

SW Alaska St
Pipework will begin this week and last through the week of June 22

Zone B (SW Findlay St to north of SW Orchard St)

SW Findlay St to SW Juneau St
We will continue installing utility pipes. Please expect traffic to be shifted to one side of Delridge Way SW.

Zone C (North of SW Orchard St to White Center)
We will finish connecting catch basins throughout this zone

Work throughout the corridor

Continued potholing for utility work

In each of the three work zones, travel lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction with restricted turns. Please follow posted traffic signs.

Upcoming work

New temporary left-turn pocket lanes at SW Orchard St will be installed later this summer to allow people driving to make left turns onto Delridge Way SW. These turn pockets will also be included when we install the final project street configuration.

See the full advisory here.

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SCHOOLS: Pathfinder K-8’s end-of-year parade
June 20, 2020 2:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Before the school year ended Friday, one more farewell “paade” – this time, at Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point.

Thanks to administration secretary Barb Mote for sharing the photos!

One Pathfinder year-end tradition is yet to come – retired PE teacher Lou Cutler‘s annual Make-A-Wish fundraiser. While he and the students weren’t able to run around the school track as usual – one lap for every year of his age (69 this year!) – Lou plans a fundraising walk in West Seattle next week – more on that later this weekend.

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REMINDER: Summer starts today; Alice’s solstice-sunset watch is online tonight
June 20, 2020 1:00 pm
|    Comments Off on REMINDER: Summer starts today; Alice’s solstice-sunset watch is online tonight
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

Even if the clouds don’t lift, you’re invited to celebrate the change of seasons with West Seattle educator/sky-watcher Alice Enevoldsen (who’s also a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador). Six hours after the summer-solstice moment at 2:43 pm today, join Alice via Zoom, 8:45 pm-9:15 pm, for her quarterly sunset watch – all ages welcome. You need to register in advance – go here to do that now.

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FOLLOWUP: Half a year after West Seattle Licenses suddenly shut down, how close is a replacement?
June 20, 2020 10:57 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo from January, former West Seattle Licenses office post-closure)

It’s been six months since the sudden closure of the vehicle-licensing subagent West Seattle Licenses. Though in-person services like this largely remain closed anyway, we wondered recently if West Seattle was close to getting a new one, since the previous estimate was “as soon as June.” So we checked with King County, which leads the process for finding and managing subagents like these. Here’s what spokesperson Cameron Satterfield told us this week:

The RFP is closed, and our Records and Licensing Division is in the process of evaluating the responsive applicants. Six applicants were chosen for interviews, which should (have been) complete by the end of this week. Next step is to rank those applicants in order and send the list to state DOL for their review and final selection. That process takes a minimum of four weeks, but it could be longer considering the pandemic situation. Once we get the final selection back from state DOL, we’ll work with that applicant to get a contract signed and complete the work needed before opening. Since we don’t yet know who the final choice will be, I don’t have a timeline for opening. Some of the factors that go into that include the applicant securing a lease or purchase for their physical location, getting DOL equipment installed and tested, and making sure the applicant and their employees have the necessary training.

As of a few days ago, the location used by the former sub-agent still had a “For Lease” sign in the window (that wouldn’t necessarily be where the new subagent sets up, though). Meantime, no update on the results of a state “administrative review (of) irregularities” involving the previous subagent.

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HIKE AT HOME! 2 virtual hikes with West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails
June 20, 2020 7:02 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

(File photo: Lost Pond in the West Duwamish Greenbelt)

Here’s a fun way to start the weekend – virtual hikes with West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails. The group is offering two to start with, in place of the guided hikes they offered on Saturdays pre-pandemic:

Join Ken Workman, great-great-great-great grandson of Chief Seattle, as he walks native land, leaving from the trailhead at SW Dawson and 19th Avenue SW. And follow Steve Richmond, an expert on native plants and forest restoration, as he identifies native and invasive plants from the 14th Avenue SW and SW Holly trailhead.

More virtual hikes will follow soon!

As WDGT notes, the “greenbelt” is actually Seattle’s “largest remaining contiguous forest.”

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 6/19 roundup
June 19, 2020 10:44 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

While the Phase 2 announcement first thing this morning was cause for celebration, a top health official offered cause for caution hours later, and that’s part of our nightly roundup.

PHASE 2: The week began with the county applying for permission to move to Phase 2, and four days later, the state announced its approval this morning. That means – as listed by the county – more businesses can open, and many that are already open can do so more widely.

…BUT FOR HOW LONG? In a midafternoon media briefing, county health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin warned that new data – just in last night – shows an uptick in cases, warning that the trend could even force the reopening into reverse. The past week saw 47 percent more cases than the week before, he said. The reason that didn’t put the brakes on the reopening, for now, he explained, is that the number isn’t huge – 100+ – but he stressed that it’s crucial people take simple steps, wearing face coverings and continuing distancing, or else things could get out of hand quickly. The new cases aren’t attributable to any particular area or any particular means of transmission, he added – there’s “no single smoking gun.” Overall, his message was that stepping ahead in reopening is the wrong time to step back in personal protective measures.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: The aforementioned spike was for the week of June 12-18. Here’s the first daily summary since then:

*9,096 people have tested positive, 109 more than yesterday

*584 people have died, 2 more than yesterday

*1,540 people have been hospitalized, 3 more than yesterday

*137,312 people have been tested, 2,309 more than yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 8,644/571/1,517/115,016.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ FALL PLAN: It’s out and it’s complicated.

CONFUSED ABOUT WEDDINGS/FUNERALS? The governor issued “additional guidance” today.

GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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JUNETEENTH: Today’s West Seattle vigils
June 19, 2020 9:19 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

Two vigils for racial justice and equity in West Seattle today:

North Delridge neighbors lined the pedestrian overpass at Delridge/Oregon, and the sidewalk beneath it, for a #SayTheirNames vigil this evening.

Organizer Nancy planned it to be “a quiet and respectful demonstration of support for our African American neighbors, friends, and family.”

Earlier, a nine-minute vigil outside Providence Mount St. Vincent:

This was part of a national elder-care initiative calling for “a time of reflection and awareness building of racism as a public health crisis.”

Just this week, the King County Board of Health passed a resolution making that declaration.

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Seattle Public Schools’ reopening plan for 2020-2021 depends on what phase we’re in
June 19, 2020 6:51 pm
|      104 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As promised, Seattle Public Schools‘ hybrid year has wrapped up with an announcement of the plan for next year, so far. As published on the district website:

As we wrap up this school year, we have been planning for 2020-21. We hope that at the start of the new school year, King County is in Phase 4 of the Governor Inslee’s reopening plan\. If we are, in alignment with public-health agency recommendations and the governor’s plan, school will resume as normal and students, who choose to, will return to face-to-face classroom instruction. Unfortunately, we don’t know what will happen over these next few months, so a contingency plan is needed, including how we will address a potential resurgence of COVID-19 in our community.

Four engagement teams of just over 100 participants that included students, parents, educators, school leaders, community partners, and central office administrators have been meeting to develop priorities for school in the fall — responsive to safety measures required for each phase of re-opening and the experiences of our students and families furthest from educational justice.

The engagement teams worked together to understand the operational and budget constraints, public health and safety guidelines, and feedback gathered in a recent staff, family, and leadership survey. Common values and priorities emerged from the four groups and leadership team, you can view them on our Planning for Re-Entry announcement webpage.

These values and priorities resulted in a model framework. If King County is in Phase 2 or 3 this fall, some type of in-person, part-time instruction will be provided for all K-12 students with the option of 100% online, remote learning for families who aren’t ready to send their students back to school buildings. Regular in-person instruction will resume when we are in Phase 4.

100% online learning will be provided as an opt-in option for any family that does not want to return in person. This option will also be available in the event buildings remain closed through fall or close abruptly due to a resurgence of COVID-19. Online learning will be high-quality and consistently provided with clearer expectations and accountability for instruction and assignments. Online learning will be provided on a reliable schedule that includes live instruction, video lessons, and small group supports, etc. Over the summer months, educators, school leaders, and a digital learning task force will prepare for delivery of these enhanced supports.

A blended model with some in-person learning for all K-12 students and some remote, online instruction. This scenario is highly dependent on public health guidelines and if we are in Phase 2 or 3 in the fall. It was determined by the Reopening Leadership Team with input from the engagement teams that while the hope is to provide in-person class time for everyone, social distancing guidelines may require a phased in approach or starting with smaller student numbers. In doing that, priority would be given to students of color furthest from educational justice, students who require in-person therapy, students who receive Special Education services or IEP supports that can’t be delivered online, students who receive services as English Learners, and students supported by McKinney Vento – students experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Teams also expressed interest in providing additional in-person instruction for K-3 students and students in transition years – sixth grade and ninth grade. The schedule for a blended model, part-time in person and part-time remote learning, is yet to be determined. The in-person schedule is dependent on the physical capacity of our buildings. We are exploring partnerships with community organizations to increase space capacity.

A full return to in-person classes. A full return to regular instruction will require we are in Phase 4 and that we follow guidelines of Public Health. While we are hopeful, this scenario is unlikely in Fall 2020.

Next week, families will need to complete an Intent to Enroll questionnaire to hold a place in their program selection. Families will be asked to indicate if they plan to enroll in the 100% online learning option for the fall or want the in-person option program. Depending on responses, in-person K-12 instruction frequency will be determined. Please look for an email early next week from Public Affairs with more details. This information will be critical in helping us finalize plans for next year.

We know the uncertainty for next school year is stressful and there are still a lot of unknowns. Staff and the Seattle School Board will be working diligently to provide additional answers and details in collaboration with educators and school leaders over these next few weeks.

Next steps: On June 30, a detailed Fall Reopening Plan will be presented to the School Board during a public work session. The plan will reflect the values and priorities surfaced during the recent engagement, the model framework outlined above, an analysis of our buildings’ physical capacity, and adherence to Public Health guidelines.

Feedback? Here’s how to send it.

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UPDATE: Police response at Duwamish Head – ‘human remains’ confirmed
June 19, 2020 5:31 pm
|      123 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

5:31 PM: Thanks for the tips about the big police response in the 1100 block of Alki Avenue. Radio communication indicated a report of “possible human remains” in the water; so far, we are told at the scene, nothing definitive – they are still searching.

5:48 PM: What they HAVE found, so far, is a black plastic bag that smelled really bad. That’s why they are searching further, to look for potential contents.

6:35 PM: Police boats are still there, searching.

(Photo sent by Stewart L.)

8:08 PM: Police spokesperson Det. Mark Jamieson confirms to WSB that they did find “human remains.” Several bags, according to a subsequent SPD Blotter post.

9:46 PM: Identification and cause of death will be up to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine.

12:28 PM: Thanks to Stewart L. for the photo above – he says police were back out checking around the Luna Park area this morning (low tide was just after 11). We headed out in hopes of catching them but they were gone by the time we got there. Also gone, the yellow tape; the Luna/Anchor Park viewpoint is open again.

SUNDAY NOTE: As discussed in comments, TikTok users who say they made the original discovery – showing a suitcase on the rocks by Luna/Anchor Park – have posted videos about it. They say police didn’t respond to their original report until repeated calls hours later. We will be following up on that too (and, as noted in comments, would be interested in talking with anybody who has firsthand knowledge – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!).

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JUNETEENTH: Our list of local Black-owned West Seattle businesses, updated
June 19, 2020 4:13 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two weeks ago, with readers’ help, we built a list of local Black-owned businesses. Here on Juneteenth, we’ve had a request to republish the list – so here it is again:

A Kids Place Too Dentistry for Children (WSB sponsor)
(2617 California SW)

Down to Reiki
(3400 Harbor SW)

Full Spectrum Training Studio
(9240 2nd Ave SW)

Hot Chocolat
(4611 36th SW)

Ipseity Incandescent Healing Studio
(3272 California Ave SW)

Jones Barbeque
(4417 Fauntleroy Way SW)

Junction Fitness
(4714 42nd SW)

Lika Love Boutique
(4547 California SW)

Move2Center Studio
(3618 SW Alaska St., lower level)

M&P Carpet Cleaning
(4742 42nd SW, #473)

New Luck Toy
(5905 California SW)

Percy The Barber
(2641 42nd Ave SW, #120)

Platinum Cuts & Salon
(9434 Delridge Way SW)

Professional Home Inspectors, LLC
(4511 35th Avenue SW, Suite 303

Project 968
(4617 37th SW)

The Avenue (formerly Pacific Room)
(2808 Alki SW, currently closed for remodeling)

West Seattle Animal Hospital
(4700 42nd SW)

West Seattle Fish House
(9005 35th SW)

Wingstop
(Westwood Village)

Additions? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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