West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
Just in, this joint announcement from West Seattle’s three UCC churches – NO illness cases, but they have decided on this response to Seattle-King County Public Health recommendations (as listed again in today’s update):
Church leadership at Admiral Congregational U.C.C., Alki U.C.C. and Fauntleroy U.C.C. have made the decision to cancel worship services and adapt operations for the next three weeks, given yesterday’s recommendations by King County. These recommendations included that those over the age of sixty or with underlying health conditions remain at home and that community gatherings of greater than ten people be cancelled.
The decision was made individually by all three churches with the utmost concern for both their own congregants and the wider community of Seattle. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the participants of the three churches at this time.
“As part of the wider community, we have the opportunity to potentially make a positive impact upon the spread of this coronavirus through our actions, our influence and our care,” Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski of Fauntleroy Church shared. “We are in conversation around how to best continue and possibly increase our ministry to congregants, to our friends at Camp Second Chance, and to the wider community in alternative manners during this crisis.”
“While we are called by our faith to live without fear, we are also called to care for our neighbors as ourselves,” said Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom from Admiral Church. “Our leadership believes that this choice, coupled with critical visitations and increased on-line education and worship resources, will provide that care to our community. We are grateful that we live in a time where alternative forms of connectivity are so readily available.”
Rev. Kelly Wadsworth also shared: “Alki UCC takes seriously our role in the common good and we seek to be a good neighbor to the Alki area during these COVID-19 times by reconfiguring the ways our spiritual community meets together and by offering flexible gathering space to the groups that regularly meet in the building.”
The Fauntleroy Y and Little Pilgrim Preschool at Fauntleroy UCC will remain open until further notice from leadership of those bodies. Other groups that utilize Fauntleroy Church’s space are being encouraged to consider County recommendations. A Child Becomes Preschool at Admiral Church will also remain open until further notice. The preschool director will be in communication with the families directly for updates. Recovery groups will continue at their own discretion. Kol-HaNeshamah (KHN), Alki UCC’s partner synagogue which shares Alki UCC’s building, has also announced cancellation of all gatherings through March 15, according to KHN Acting Executive Director, Connie Burk.
All three churches are individually making plans for how to adapt their ministries in continuing to best serve their respective communities. They encourage the community to visit their websites for updates in coming days and weeks: www.fauntleroyucc.org alkiucc.org and admiralchurch.org
We will link this to our ongoing Cancellations/Postponements page (which is atop the WSB Event Calendar) as well as in tonight’s nightly roundup of local COVID-19-related developments.
P.S. Any other churches – as well as schools, organizations, groups, businesses, etc. – with changes/cancellations, please let us know! westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you.
While NO cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been linked to West Seattle so far, many local organizations/insttutions are making operational changes to respond to Seattle-King County Public Health recommendations (here’s the newest list). We’ve just received this from Senior Center of West Seattle interim executive director Amy Lee Derenthal, and we’re publishing it separately because of the center’s major role in the community:
Thursday, March 5 – Business as usual.
Friday, March 6 – We will be closing the Senior Center as of Friday morning for all non-essential programs. We do not have a reopen date at this time due to the unusual circumstances.
These essential programs are continuing until further notice:
Tax Help Appointments – will take place on Friday, March 6 and TBD for the following week.
Community Dining – starting on Monday, March 9th we will be providing sack lunches to participants.
Tuesday, March 10th Food Bank Distribution – We will provide prepared bags of food for pick-up.
Stop and Shop: We will keep the Stop and Shop open as long as we have volunteer coverage. Communications will go out as we know more and if we have to close.
Staff will be communicating with instructors, volunteers and members about the closure. We do not know at this time how long we will be closed and will keep the community updated. Please check our website as well as (WSB) for updates.
We will also link this information to our Cancellations/Postponements page, which can be found atop the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar TFN.
(One Horned Grebe chasing another who snagged a gunnel, per photographer Mark Wangerin)
We are now keeping, and updating, a cancellation/postponement list – if your organization/business/school/group/church is canceling, postponing, or changing an upcoming event, please let us know, westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302. We will note changes on our daily highlights list, as well as noting what IS happening, and we’ll update that daily list too if/when decisions about changes/cancellations come in post-publication. So far we have these highlights for today/tonight:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Open noon-4 pm as usual. (61st/Stevens)
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8: Go to Proletariat Pizza 4-9 pm, identify yourself as a STEM supporter, and part of the proceeds go to help students. (9622 16th SW)
(12:17 pm update – now postponed) SIP IN SODO: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce-presented wine-and-food event is on, 6-9 pm at SODO Urban Works. Details in our preview. (3901 1st Ave. S.)
DESIGN REVIEW FOR HARBOR AVE PROJECT: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, first review for the 126-unit apartment building planned at 3417 Harbor Avenue SW. See the design packet in our preview, which also includes info on how to comment via email. (4217 SW Oregon)
BILL DAVIE: Singer/songwriter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover, all ages. (5612 California SW)
THE BLACK TONES: 7 pm, free in-store concert at Easy Street Records. All ages. (California/Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE SOUL: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. $10 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
****CANCELED/POSTPONED****
FREE TAX HELP: All United Way-King County free tax help sessions, including Wednesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays at the West Seattle Food Bank, are canceled TFN.
SIP IN SODO: As noted above, as of early Thursday afternoon, the WS Chamber has decided to postpone this to TBA date.
Again – our ongoing cancellation/postponement list is here; the full event calendar is here.
From James:
Black Nissan Pickup Truck with black canopy stolen last night between 10-6 on the 5900 block near California Ave., plate # B52477U.
Call 911 if you see it.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:04 AM: Good morning. No alerts/incidents right now.
WEEKEND REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 am Sunday – “spring forward” one hour.
7:45 AM: Washington State Ferries website trouble: “Vessel Watch, route schedules and terminal conditions on WSF’s website are out of service until further notice.”
Though we published new information earlier today, that’s not all you should know about, so here’s our nightly roundup:
NEW KING COUNTY CASES/DEATHS: From today’s daily Seattle-King County Public Health update:
COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming ten additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents including one death. With these ten new results, the total number of cases in King County is 31. The total number of deaths is nine.
The ten new cases are in:
A female in her 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
A male in his 50s, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at Evergreen
A female in her 90s, Life Care resident, was hospitalized at Evergreen and died on 3/3/20
A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
A male in his 30s, no known exposure, not hospitalized
A female in her teens, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
A male in his 80s, a resident of Life Care, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
The announced-earlier cases and deaths are recapped here.
SKCPH RECOMMENDATIONS: Also at this afternoon’s King County briefing, these recommendations – NOT requirements – were announced:
*People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
-People 60 and older
-People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
-People who have weakened immune systems
-People who are pregnantWorkplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness
If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.
Public Health is not recommending closing schools at this time. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, Public Health will work with the school and the district to determine the best measures including potential closure of the school.
All people should not go out when they are sick.
Avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you need to go, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.
CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS: Those recommendations have started leading to some local postponements and cancellations, so we launched a list. You can find the list here as well as atop our Event Calendar page. Please let us know of cancellations, postponements, changes by emailing westseattleblog@gmail.com or texting/calling our hotline, 206-293-6302.
SCHOOLS: At noted in today’s briefing (the video is atop our afternoon report), it’s up to local schools/districts to decide when/whether to close schools. There are NO cases in Seattle Public Schools, which is publishing daily updates here. From today’s update:
As of today, Public Health continues to recommend that we don’t close schools unless there is a lab-confirmed COVID-19 test result for a student or staff person in attendance at the school. …
Schools are prioritizing hand washing when students arrive at school, anytime they have used the restroom, and prior to lunch. Staff are reinforcing good hygiene and reminding students to sneeze into a tissue or elbow, not to touch their face, and reducing physical hand contact. And, our custodial staff have been working tirelessly to prioritize cleaning common and high traffic areas multiple times a day.
We have also postponed all district-sponsored out of state travel (flights, bus, car, etc.) for staff and students through the end of the school year, including district-sponsored field trips and international travel. Washington state travel is still approved, but flights are cancelled. Schools are working with families on reimbursements and the superintendent will be issuing a letter of support this week to provide to travel agencies and airlines.
Additionally, we have cancelled all school-day professional development in order to prioritize substitute coverage in schools so that we can maintain a focus on student learning.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: The alerts page on the WSF website now carries a coronavirus advisory – this is the heart of it:
We have received questions from customers concerned about having to exchange money or passes with tollbooth staff. Unfortunately, wireless or hands-free ticket scanning is not available at all of our terminals, so it would be very difficult for staff to completely avoid handling money or transit passes. The CDC urges people to practice good personal hygiene, especially hand-washing and using hand sanitizer, as the best defense.
In addition to taking the personal health preparedness steps that have been widely circulating in the news – wash your hands, don’t touch your face, cover coughs and sneezes – there are some other things passengers might consider doing to protect themselves while on the ferry. For example, those who drive onto the ferry are welcome to stay in their vehicle for the duration of the crossing to avoid congested public areas. Those in the passenger cabin should try to maintain a personal distance of six feet; according to the CDC, that is a safe distance to avoid catching most respiratory viruses.
QUARANTINE SITES: During today’s briefing, County Executive Dow Constantine announced that in addition to the Top Hat modular-housing site unveiled Tuesday, the county will also set up portable buildings at sites in Interbay and North Seattle. They have been in storage on Harbor Island and are like this one we photographed at the Top Hat site yesterday:
He also said the motel the county is buying is in Kent (where city leaders are unhappy, The Seattle Times reports). He acknowledged community concerns about the Top Hat site and explained the criteria that it met. No one has been moved to any of those sites yet.
WHAT’S NEXT: Public-health agencies are continuing to release new information daily, late morning or early afternoon. Watch the SKCPH site here and the state Health Department site here. Tomorrow, the Seattle City Council is having a special meeting to discuss Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s civil-emergency proclamation (1 pm Thursday); their planned committee briefing this afternoon with city department heads was cancelled. (Added) Also Thursday, Vice President Pence visits our state; he and Gov. Jay Inslee plan a joint briefing at 5 pm.
WSB COVERAGE: It’s all categorized so that you can find it anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts.
That’s 8-year-old Arbor Heights Elementary student Nathan Tavel, who – as we showed you Friday night – bowled his heart out to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank. WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino sent the wrapup today:
Nathan bowled 12 games with a total of 1612 pins the first hour & 9 games & 1538 pins the 2nd hour. All teams lost to him and we raised $940! Nathan is an incredible bowler and we thank him, the teams that bowled against him, and West Seattle Bowl for donating the alley fees & drink purchases!
Nathan, who’s been bowling since age 4, challenged teams to beat him in pin totals – and as Judi mentioned, he triumphed against them all.
It’s taken longer than they hoped – but the nonprofit West Seattle Discovery Shop in The Junction is finally open after renovations. We stopped by this afternoon for a look.
The volunteers stress that this isn’t the final look – they’re still awaiting some fixtures, like a new checkout counter that’s on a delayed ship from China.
The store’s the same size, but new flooring makes it look bigger, and new wall displays have brightened it too. Operationally, some changes in the back room will make it easier for volunteers to do their job. The fitting rooms are brightened too.
Three important things have NOT changed: Proceeds from the Discovery Shop still go to cancer research; they still rely on donated items (they can accept small furniture items now because of display space); and they still rely on volunteers. Only 4 hours a week, and you’re in! The shop is at 4535 California SW, open 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays, 11 am-2 pm Sundays, for both shopping and donating.
(Added: Archived video of today’s briefing)
While we’ve been publishing nightly roundups of each day’s local coronavirus (COVID-19)-related highlights, and will continue to do that, today we’re publishing King County’s daily news release sooner, because it includes recommendations that everyone will want to consider. Here it is:
State and local officials announced today new recommendations to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in our community. We are making these recommendations in consultation with CDC based on the best information we have currently to protect the public’s health.
This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County and these measures can potentially impact the spread of the disease.
Public Health is recommending, but not requiring, the following steps:
· People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
o People 60 and older
o People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
o People who have weakened immune systems
o People who are pregnant
· Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness
· If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.
· Public Health is not recommending closing schools at this time unless there has been a confirmed case in the school. Public Health – Seattle & King County also respects an individual school’s decisions about closures or postponement of activities as each school knows the needs of their community best.
· All people should not go out when they are sick.
· Avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you need to go, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of the “large gatherings” recommendation, we are starting to get word of some cancellations – we have launched a list here that we will continue to update as info comes in. Now back to today’s news release:)
More detail on these measures will be available at www.kingcounty.gov/covid
Case update:
COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming ten additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents including one death. With these ten new results, the total number of cases in King County is 31. The total number of deaths is nine.
The ten new cases are in:
· A female in her 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
· A male in his 50s, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
· A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
· A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
· A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at Evergreen
· A female in her 90s, Life Care resident, was hospitalized at Evergreen and died on 3/3/20
· A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
· A male in his 30s, no known exposure, not hospitalized
· A female in her teens, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
· A male in his 80s, a resident of Life Care, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
No other details about the 10 cases reported today are available currently.
21 other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include:
Another redevelopment project in the HALA-upzoned area of Morgan Junction has an Early Design Outreach event coming up. This one is for, and at, 6357 41st SW, where five rowhouse-style townhouses with at least 3 parking spaces are planned to replace a century-old house (King Co. Assessor photo above) at 41st/Morgan. The project team, including MAS Architecture, will host two site tours at 4 pm and 5:30 pm next Tuesday (March 10th). The project is in the Streamlined Design Review process, so this is the only public opportunity for Q&A, though written comments will be accepted once the design proposal’s out. The architects have a project webpage set up here.
(Pileated Woodpecker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Highlights for the rest of your Wednesday (see the full list on our calendar):
BABY STORY TIME: 11:30 am at High Point Library. Infants up to 12 months, and their parents/caregivers, welcome. (3411 SW Raymond)
HOT TOPICS FOR SENIORS: Noon discussion at Southwest Library. Geared toward 55+, but all are welcome. (9010 35th SW)
FREE TAX HELP: 5-9 pm at West Seattle Food Bank, volunteers are ready to help you. (35th/Morgan)
CANCELED DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Long-planned – but timely – city-sponsored event, 6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library: “This presentation provides an overview of the hazards that can impact Seattle, and steps that individuals and families can take to become more prepared to deal with them.” Free. (2306 42nd SW)
DANCE TIME WITH LAUREN PETRIE: 6-8 pm, live music and dancing at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Admssion-fee info here. No-host bar available. (4217 SW Oregon)
DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: 7 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle. See the agenda here. (4217 SW Oregon)
JIM PAGE: Live music, 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages. (5612 California SW)
NOWSTERDAY: Live music, 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
SOMETHING FOR THE CALENDAR? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photo courtesy Seattle Parks)
Once again this year, you’re invited to become a SUNGuide – here’s what that’s all about:
Become a SUNGuide!
Seattle Urban Nature Guides enhance, promote, and foster appreciation of nature by connecting students with their Seattle parklands, and providing active learning opportunities in nature.
As a SUNGuide, you will:
*Develop Job Skills such as public speaking, education techniques and group engagement
*Enjoy a community of fellow volunteers and city staff
*Receive FREE Training on Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, habitats, environmental education techniques to connect with a wide variety of audiences and equity concepts
*Lead hands-on learning experiences in a variety of settings from playgrounds to forests
*Familiarize yourself with Seattle’s destination Parks while helping others do the sameTo Apply
Review the position description, training schedule, and apply online by Thursday, March 19, 2020!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:11 AM: Good morning!
BOAT NOTES: The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state ferry route is back to 3 boats; the West Seattle Water Taxi has Spirit of Kingston filling in again today.
8:30 AM: From SDOT – “Roadwork on the West Seattle Bridge just west of SR-99 blocking WB right lane.”
Washington State Ferries says MV Kittitas will return to the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route this morning, since repairs are complete. That means the route is back to the regular 3-boat schedule as of the start of the service day, with the vessels tasked as: #1 Issaquah, #2 Kittitas, and #3 Cathlamet.
Here’s our nightly roundup of coronavirus (COVID-19) news toplines:
LATEST NUMBERS IN KING COUNTY: Seattle-King County Public Health is now announcing new numbers around 11 am daily. Today, it’s up to 21 cases total, including eight deaths. The newly announced cases:
A female in her 40s, worked at LifeCare, never hospitalized and is recovering at home
A female in her 60s, family member of a confirmed case of COVID-19, not hospitalized
A male in his 70s, a frequent visitor of LifeCare, hospitalization status unknown currently
A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
A female in her 80s, resident of LifeCare, never hospitalized, died at her family home on 2/26/20
A male in his 50s, resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center and died on 2/26/20
All the cases/deaths in King County so far are listed in today’s SKCPH news release.
AMAZON WORKER ILL: The Seattle Times reports that Amazon has notified its local employees that one of their co-workers, who went home sick February 25th, has tested positive for COVID-19. The Times reports that the company’s message said the employee works in their building at 9th/Republican and is in quarantine. (We don’t know whether this case is one of the 21 that SKCPH counted as of midday today.)
QUARANTINE SITE IN TOP HAT: In the North Highline neighborhood of Top Hat, just east of White Center, a King County-owned property is the first site chosen for portable housing to be set up to quarantine COVID-19 patients if/as needed. We visited the site this afternoon:
This and 13 other portables have been stored on Harbor Island. 34th District State Sen. Joe Nguyen questions the Top Hat site choice; that’s part of our report on White Center Now.
‘CIVIL EMERGENCY’: Mayor Jenny Durkan issued that proclamation today; the announcement explains:
Actions authorized in the Proclamation include the ability to bypass regulations and the steps normally required of City contracting and borrowing; the ability to forgo regulatory permits in order to site or implement facilities needed to address COVID-19, and the ability to immediately adjust the use and closure of City facilities and events as necessary to prevent continued spread of COVID-19.
The mayor’s office also sent out this news release detailing what 10 departments are doing in response so far.
CITY BRIEFING TOMORROW: No public county or city briefings today but at least one is planned tomorrow – the Public Safety and Human Services Committee, chaired by District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold, will host two deputy mayors, half a dozen department heads, and the county Public Health director at a special 2 pm meeting. (You should be able to watch it live via Seattle Channel.)
DENNY DEEP CLEANING: Last night, as we reported, Chief Sealth International High School was cleaned after a report that a student, though NOT sick, is being monitored for possible coronavirus exposure. Tonight, adjacent Denny International Middle School is being cleaned, reports Denny principal Jeff Clark, who explains, “FYI: SPS can do a deep clean at a limited number of schools every night. We are on the list tonight simply because they did Sealth last night.” He stresses that there are NO cases or suspected cases at Denny, and added that there’s no new info yet about the Sealth student’s possible exposure.
TRAVELING THROUGH SEA-TAC ANY TIME SOON? The Port of Seattle published this Sea-Tac Airport update today, including new sanitation procedures as well as information from some of its airliines.
KING COUNTY CALL CENTER: The county has a call center:
If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977. The call center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT.
For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.
WSB COVERAGE: If there is specific West Seattle-related news, we will publish it immediately, otherwise we plan to continue nightly roundups like this. We’re also using Twitter for instant short bursts. You can find all our coverage – newest first – archived at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus.
(WSB photos)
As spring approaches, it’s a great time to plant, and that’s why fifth-graders from Taproot School were out helping this morning with a new pocket garden at Kilbourne Ravine, by the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Above, Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteer Mike Arizona was helping guide them. They had nine species of native shrubs and ground-cover plants to work with:
The pocket garden is meant “to demonstrate the use of beneficial native plants in any landscape,” Judy Pickens, also from the watershed councll, tells WSB. It’ll hold an interpretive sign too.
Volunteers have worked for six years to restore the ravine, with the help of a $70,000 grant from the King Conservation District. The pocket garden’s funding comes from a $4,000 grant from the 2019 West Seattle Garden Tour; maintenance will be funded by donations to the Fauntleroy Watershed Stewardship Fund.
As previously noted, MV Spirit of Kingston filled in on the West Seattle Water Taxi route again this morning because of MV Doc Maynard‘s U.S. Coast Guard inspection. Now it’s been announced that SoK will continue on the run tonight and tomorrow – always notable because it has a 149-passenger capacity, compared to DM’s 278. Spokesperson Jeff Switzer tells us the DM needs “a sensor” and will return to service once that’s in place.
Thanks to the Madison Middle School parents who forwarded us letters sent by principal Dr. Robert Gary, saying they felt the community beyond school families/staff should be aware. The first one, sent to families Friday:
Good Afternoon Madison Families:
Today [Friday] at approximately 3:30 pm two students reported to Madison Administration that they saw a threat written on a restroom wall.
The Administrative team immediately contacted the Seattle Police Department. They will conduct an investigation into the threat to determine its credibility and our next steps.
We will share more information as it becomes available from Seattle Police.
As I have mentioned before, middle school students are still learning and developing and have complex social dynamics, and this can sometimes play out in destructive ways. Ensuring that students know appropriate behavioral expectations and that all students are safe is our goal, and we ask for your partnership to understand expectations and responsibilities.
Please talk with your child(ren) about the consequences of what they say and do – such consequences can and have included expulsion from school and notification to the police. Additionally, please direct your child to notify his/her/their teacher or principal if anyone makes a threat against him/her/their or anyone else.
Here are some tips to have these conversations at home:
Make sure your child understands the seriousness of things he/she/they say(s).
Have children think of a time when they were hurt by something someone said or did and talk about how they felt.
Words don’t always lead to action, but let your child know that if he/she/they hear(s) someone saying they will hurt someone else, this must be taken very seriously.
Then a followup, sent to familiea late Monday:
This is follow-up information from the threat reported on Friday. I have received more information from the Seattle Police Department. Captain Davis from the Southwest Precinct has informed the Superintendent’s office and SPS Safety and Security that the alleged written threat found in the girl’s restroom at Madison on Friday, February 28 was investigated and found to be non-credible. The Seattle Police Department along with Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security Department will have a presence around the school throughout the week, out of an abundance of caution.
Please know that we take safety in our building very seriously; the well-being of our students is our top concern. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 206-252-9200 or rgary@seattleschools.org.
Letters like these are not required to be shared more widely, so we don’t always hear unless parents forward them, as in this case (thanks again). So far we haven’t found the case number that would enable us to follow up with SPD. We’re asking the district if anyone was disciplined as a result of whatever led to the “non-credible” pronouncement.
After six years, Lyle Evans is retiring as executive director of the Senior Center of West Seattle.
The transition just started Monday – Amy Lee Derenthal‘s first day as interim executive director; she is a West Seattleite and longtime veteran of nonprofit work who has been leading the SCWS board.
In his farewell message in the newest SCWS newsletter, Evans says:
I will be leaving to spend more time with family and friends and follow my lifelong dream of travelling internationally.
My time at the Center has been the singular best experience in my professional life. The past 6 years spent here at our “Jewel of the Junction” have enriched me as a leader and as a human being. I am extraordinarily proud of our fulfilling and important work providing a welcoming, inclusive second home where all seniors and those who love them can feel safe, included and vital. In 2019, we served over 4100 seniors in West Seattle.
We talked with Evans and Derenthal by phone; they plan to work side by side over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition.
She has applied for the permanent position and told us, “It’s my dream job.”
You’ll have a chance to say goodbye to Evans at the center’s annual fundraising breakfast, “The Joy Is in the Journey, “ on April 28th; get info and tickets here.
(WSB file photos)
Annie reports this happened early Monday morning near 40th/Barton in Fauntleroy:
Had my car prowled at 6 am. Someone in sweats and a hoodie got into my car and took something out of the glove box. I got to the window in time to see a car racing away with its lights off, east up Barton, then turned left/north onto 39th Ave SW. I filed an online report with the police.
(Ruby-crowned Kinglet, photographed by Mark Wangerin)‘
Notes for your Tuesday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LIBRARIES CLOSED: In-service day for Seattle Public Library staff, so all brnaches are closed, reopening tomorrow.
RACISTS ANONYMOUS:New group at Admiral UCC, 11 am-noon Tuesdays starting today. (4320 SW Hlll)
SEATTLE PARKS OPENS SPRING REGISTRATION:Starting at noon today, registration opens for spring programs, as explained here (where you’ll also find the brochure for local centers and Southwest Pool).
STROKE AWARENESS AND CPR: 5-7 pm free class taught by King County EMS at High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)
SAFETY CLASS: Another session with personal safety info for women, 6 pm at Southwest Precinct, free. (2300 SW Webster)
WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point, you’re invited to WSBC’s meeting, including an SDOT presentation on the 60 percent design of the East Marginal Way Corridor project. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
OPEN MIC NIGHT: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+.. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Pedestrian safety and coronavirus concerns were two of the topics when the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee met Sunday afternoon for updates on and discussion of the city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment on Myers Way.
But first:
CAMP UPDATE: Eric Davis, camp co-founder and special projects manager for operating organization LIHI, said CSC currently has 49 people – 17 women and 32 men. This past month has seen two move into permanent housing.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:52 AM: Good morning!
FERRIES: The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on the two-boat schedule because MV Kittitas remains out for repairs.
WATER TAXI: MV Spirit of Kingston is on the West Seattle run again this morning while MV Doc Maynard is undergoing its Coast Guard inspection.
And a note for tonight:
EAST MARGINAL WAY PROJECT: West Seattle Bike Connections‘ monthly meeting tonight will feature an SDOT rep presenting the 60 percent design. 6:30 pm, Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
| 4 COMMENTS