West Seattle, Washington
06 Saturday
Here’s our nightly roundup of local info:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s official Seattle-King County Public Health announcement:
13 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Public Health – Seattle & King County through 11:59 p.m. on 3/6/20, bringing the total number of reported King County cases to 71.
Of the 13 new cases reported today, two are deaths. In addition, two cases previously reported last week are people who have now died. The total number of deaths reported to Public Health is now 15. The four deaths being reported today include:
A man in his 70s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/2/20. This case is included in the 13 new cases being reported today.
A woman in her 80s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center, and who died 3/5/20. This case is included in the 13 new cases being reported today.
A woman in her 70s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/6/20. This case was previously reported on 3/5/20.
A woman in her 80s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/6/20. This case was previously reported on 3/2/20.
Of the 15 deaths reported, 14 are associated with Life Care Center.
If you are interested in statewide numbers/info, see the Washington Department of Health COVID-19 page. (Added: The DOH announced tonight that the time and format of its daily statewide reports will change starting tomorrow.)
‘ALTERNATIVE MODES OF INSTRUCTION’ AT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: The Seattle Colleges, including South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), whose main campus is on Puget Ridge, announced this morning that they are moving to “alternative modes of instruuction” for the rest of the winter quarter. “Classroom and instructional staff will make local decisions about which modes to employ for each particular course,” says the announcment, so wait to hear from faculty.
CHANGES FOR CHURCHES: Some are canceling services. Some are going online. Some are already there. Here’s our roundup.
FARMERS’ MARKET IS ON TOMORROW: Here’s the story we published Friday with market managers explaining why they ARE going ahead with West Seattle and other markets.
REVIEW THE RECOMMENDATIONS: SKCPH’s guidance on how to protect yourself and others is here.
WHAT’S BEING CANCELED, POSTPONED, CHANGED: Our West Seattle list continues growing – see it here. If your organization, business, church, school, group, etc. has cancellations, postponements, changes, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.
WSB CONTINUING COVERAGE: Everything we publish related to all this is categorized so that you can find it anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts.
This is the first weekend since Seattle-King County Public Health recommended avoiding “large gatherings” to try to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). So that’s forced a difficult decision for churches and other faith-based groups/institutions – houses of worship are not just gathering places, they’re also high-touch environments, from handshakes to Holy Communion. We’ve heard from some directly, and those with changes/cancellations are on our ongoing list, but here’s a closer look at what some are doing:
Back on Thursday, West Seattle’s three UCC churches – Admiral, Alki, and Fauntleroy – issued a joint announcement that they would cancel services for the next three weeks. “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,” said Fauntleroy UCC pastor Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski. (A reader tipped us while we were writing this that Fauntleroy UCC has decided to stream on 2 platforms including Twitch tomorrow morning.)
Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) is cancelling tomorrow’s service. “We will reassess next week on what to do for the following Sunday. … Please pray for one another and our neighbors as we navigate this uncharted territory together,” said pastor Rev. Sarah Casey.
Hope Lutheran Church also announced it’s canceling tomorrow’s service, but promising that its website will feature “an online worship experience … including worship music, a message from Pastor Peter, and an opportunity to pray for the people of our congregation and community.”
The churches that are planning to go live online include Westside Unitarian Universalist, planning a “virtual service” via the platform Zoom. The announcement notes, “We are practicing a new way of worshipping together, responding to public health concerns. We give thanks for the gifts of an emergent faith tradition that can sustain us in times of mystery.”
Others already stream as a supplement to their in-person services, and Arbor Heights Community Church is one that plans to do both tomorrow as usual. For those attending in person, they’re making a few changes such as suspending snack service.
Trinity West Seattle is also going ahead with in-person worship while also offering a live stream. No communion, no baked goods and coffee, and they’re not even passing the offering basket, according to this update.
At West Seattle Christian Church, they’re using “k-cup individual sealed communion cups (wafer & juice),” and their snack bar will either focus on individually wrapped snacks on food and coffee “served by a volunteer wearing gloves.” WSCC adds in its message, “We are prepared, if necessary, to go to an online worship service only …”
The communion challenge is one that Catholic churches are dealing with too. The specifics are on pages like this one for Our Lady of Guadalupe, which not only notes changes to Mass practices, but also points out that the holy-water font has been drained.
For more church changes, see our ongoing list of West Seattle cancellations/postponements/changes – and if/when you have something to add, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or use our hotline, text/voice, 206-293-6302.
(WSB photos)
Thanks for the tip! Three months after we reported what was on the way to the ex-OutWest space (5401 California SW), Box Bar is now open.
Box Bar is a 21 and over venue. Along with drinks, they’re serving “plant-based” food – see the food menu here and here, the beverage menu here.
Caveat from the Box Bar team – that’s just the menu they’re starting with – still a work in progress. Hours are 4 pm to midnight, Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays.
(Photo by Victoria Gnatoka)
Sunbreaks and even a rainbow this afternoon – but, heads up, the updated forecast says “scattered thunderstorms” are a possibility this evening. But – partly sunny tomorrow, sunny Monday! (Helpful if you are working from home and need a break – maybe a walk along Alki or Lincoln Park shores …)
(WSB photos)
That’s a look inside what was Bird on a Wire and is now The Birdhouse (3507 SW Henderson) – a new name and new owners, after longtime proprietor Heidi Herr sold the coffeehouse to Amber Heinemann (below left) and Todd Fregin.
Todd and Amber (who’s with team member Ellie in the photo) own Fremann Foods, known for catering and “grab and go” food like sandwiches. You can enjoy sitdown or takeout at The Birdhouse:
We photographed their breakfast menu (here) and lunch menu (here). No changes in hours (7 am-4 pm). As for the shop’s founder and now former owner Heidi, her social-media announcement of the sale said she wasn’t sure where she was headed next but, “I feel very proud of what I have built and it has truly been an honor to live/thrive in this neighborhood since 2002.” The shop originally was in a different space on the 35th/Henderson corner, facing 35th.
Just announced by Seattle Colleges, the system that includes South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – the system is “moving to alternative modes of instruction” immediately. From the announcement posted online:
To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any Seattle Colleges locations.
Beginning Monday, March 9, Seattle Colleges is moving from in-person classroom instruction to the appropriate alternative modality for each class, when and where possible. This includes satellite locations and will continue through the end of the Winter Quarter (March 25). The move is in accordance with the COVID-19 recommendations from Public Health — Seattle and King County to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time.
Classroom and instructional staff will make local decisions about which modes to employ for each particular course. Colleges and instructors will send more detailed information soon.
No Classes Monday, March 9, for Faculty Prep; Instructional Resources, Business and Student Services Remain Open
There will be no classes on Monday, March 9. Instead, faculty and staff will use the day to adapt their coursework to the alternative formats and communicate with students. Classes will resume Tuesday, March 10, reflecting the instructional changes.
All student and business services will remain open and maintain regular business hours and students are welcome on campus to use the services as necessary.
Students should contact their instructors with any course-related questions or concerns about having access to appropriate technology.
Moving instruction to alternative modes will help minimize the number of people physically on campus and help maintain the “social distancing” prescribed by health officials.
If a member of the Seattle Colleges community tests positive for COVID-19, district operations will be reassessed.
We’ll update this story if/when we see/receive SSC-specific information. The move away from in-person classes already has been announced by many other area colleges/universities.
This is still set for tomorrow … and today’s the day to drop off your swappable cleats, if you haven’t already. The 4th annual West Seattle Baseball Cleat Exchange – hosted by and at Second Gear Sports in partnership with West Seattle Baseball, West Seattle Little League, and West Seattle Girls Softball – is set for 10 am-noon Sunday.
-Bring in your clean used cleats (and any other related gear you’d like to consign) BEFORE March 8th. Then come in on during the cleat exchange and pick up a new pair.
-There will be snacks, drinks, and tons of new and used gear.
-Also don’t forget to bring in a food donation for West Seattle Food Bank!!!
SGS is at 6529 California SW in Morgan Junction – if you need to drop off cleats/gear, it’s open 10 am-6 pm today
(Dark-eyed Junco, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Again today, we have a two-part list – what’s happening and what’s NOT happening. Highlights of the former:
ANNIVERSARY: New releases at Best of Hands Barrelhouse (WSB sponsor) as they celebrate 1 year in business! Open noon-10 pm. (7500 35th SW)
WINE! The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room is open the regular 2-7 pm schedule. (5910 California SW)
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL AUCTION: 4:30-9 pm auction/dinner at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School. Ticket info here. (9615 20th SW)
CHORANDO NA CHUVA: Brazilian music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. All ages. No cover. (5612 California SW)
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Wings and Things: Brianna Skye and the Dark Clouds, The Kelsey Sprague Band, Julia Francis, Aline and Wes. 7 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘THE BOOK CLUB PLAY’: Second weekend for the Twelfth Night Productions play at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm curtain. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: ‘Music is the Best Fest,’ night 2. 8 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Then overnight tonight:
(Friday night sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
SPRING FORWARD: Daylight Saving Time will arrive at 2 am Sunday – “spring forward” one hour to 3 am.
****CANCELED/POSTPONED****
CYO SPORTS: All events for this weekend are canceled.
LIBRARY EVENTS: Both the Seattle Public Library and King County Library System have canceled events/programs BUT otherwise are open.
FAMILY READING TIME: Paper Boat Booksellers has canceled today’s session.
HISTORIANS’ PRESENTATIONS: “People, Politics, and Place” conference (not in West Seattle, but 3 local historians were slated to speak) canceled.
KENYON HALL: Live music/silent film postponed, new date April 24th.
MADISON MS FUNDRAISER: Rescheduled for May 1st.
206-293-5302 text/voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com, for any and all info on cancellations/:changes – or if you want to tell us about something that IS still on – thank you!
Exactly one week ago tonight, we got word of the first confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in King County. Here are today’s key local developments:
NEW KING COUNTY CASES: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health update:
7 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Public Health – Seattle & King County through 11:59 p.m. on 3/5/20, bringing the total number of reported King County cases to 58.
In addition, a person who was previously reported, a male in his 60s, has now died. He was not a resident of Life Care Center of Kirkland, but was a visitor. He died on 3/5/20. The total number of deaths in King County reported to Public Health is 11.
Of the 58 cases, 34 are residents of or associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland. Eighteen are residents, six are staff, and 10 are visitors or family members. Of the 11 deaths reported, ten are associated with Life Care Center.
The county is no longer providing case-by-case info, except for deaths. To our knowledge, no cases to date have West Seattle links.
BRIEFING: No SKCPH-focused briefing today, but Gov. Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and most of our state’s U.S. House delegation held a briefing this morning, mostly to talk about funding for the crisis response (though there also was discussion of the Kirkland Life Care Center situation). Here’s the video:
The federal aid will include loans for small businesses sent reeling by effects of the crisis.
LIBRARY CHANGES: While Seattle Public Library facilities remain open, SPL has canceled all events and programs for the rest of the month. Here’s the announcement made late today. The message on the SPL website says:
Due to current guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve and the high-risk populations who volunteer for us, the Library is canceling all programs, events, meeting room bookings, outreach activities and Bookmobile services during the month of March. At this time, all physical Library locations continue to operate with standard hours.
The King County Library System – which has a nearby branch in White Center – is doing the same.
SENIOR CENTER OF WEST SEATTLE CHANGES: Again today, the Senior Center of West Seattle issued an operational update, focusing on how it will handle “essential programs” next week. Read the update here.
NEW INFO ABOUT TOP HAT QUARANTINE FACILITY: We covered an hourlong telephone briefing today about the King County plan for a quarantine facility at 206 SW 112th in Top Hat (east of White Center), first announced Tuesday. New details emerged regarding how it will be managed and who it’s for; the call also included some strong words of opposition from community members. See our report here.
SCHOOLS: Seattle Public Schools remain open, though – as noted last night – they’ve canceled some events/programs. This statement is part of tonight’s daily update from SPS:
On March 5, Public Health Seattle and King County provided revised guidance to reduce exposure to COVID-19 in the general population. Public Health is recommending, but not requiring, that people who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 stay home and away from large groups of people. People at higher risk, according to Public Health, include those who are 60 years and older; people who are pregnant; people with weakened/compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
How does this “at risk” population guidance effect Seattle Public Schools?
The health of our staff matters to us. Seattle Public Schools has close to 11,000 part-time and full-time employees, and some who meet the “at risk” criteria. In our effort to help disrupt the spread of COVID-19 and protect our staff and students, these employees, with required documentation, may need to stay home.
Our goal is to keep our doors open as long as possible, while prioritizing the health and safety of our students. With that said, we are tracking staff and student attendance daily. In order to keep schools open we need to have enough staff to provide a safe learning environment for students. We also want to make sure that staff who need to self-quarantine because of high risk or illness take time off. We have canceled all events, workshops, field trips, etc. that require a substitute teacher and deployed our certified central office staff, an estimated 100 educators, to support in our 104 schools.
While some universities elsewhere in Seattle are going online for the rest of the quarter, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle is continuing classes – here’s the daily update for SSC and its sibling colleges.
WHAT’S BEING CANCELED, POSTPONED, CHANGED: Our West Seattle list continues to grow – see it here. If your organization, business, school, group, etc. has cancellations, postponements, changes, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.
WSB CONTINUING COVERAGE: Whatever we publish related to all this is categorized so that you can find it anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts.
(King County Assessor’s Office photo)
A new redevelopment proposal in South Delridge for three HALA-upzoned lots centered on 9218 18th SW [map]: It’s described in city files as a 5-story “approximately 76-unit mixed-use apartment building with ground-floor commercial and 1 level of below-grade parking for approximately 36 vehicles.” Though the address is on 18th, part of the site faces Delridge. The early-stage site plan (PDF) is by Caron Architecture.
After the question came up in a WSB comment discussion earlier today, we called West Seattle Farmers’ Market management to verify they WILL be open on Sunday. Since then, they’ve sent this news release saying all markets will indeed be open this weekend, and explaining why:
Farmers Markets in Seattle will continue as planned this weekend, including the University District, West Seattle, and Capitol Hill Farmers Markets, run by the nonprofit Neighborhood Farmers Markets, and the Ballard Farmers Market, run by the Seattle Farmers Market Association. The markets offer year-round economic opportunity to over 200 Washington State farmers and local food businesses, and also provide access to fresh nutritious food in local settings.
According to annual data collected by the Neighborhood Farmers Markets, the majority of their direct-to-consumer farm businesses earn 70% or more of their household income from the farmers markets. Only some businesses have secondary sales channels such as wholesale or restaurant purchasing, so a downturn in attendance will likely take a toll during a month when many farmers are making significant purchases for the upcoming growing season.
“It is important that everyone understand farmers markets are a place to buy nutritious local food, not a social event,” says Jennifer Antos, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets. “As an organization based in community connection, our top priority is the health and wellness of market shoppers, vendors, and our staff.” Farmers markets work closely with King County Public Health to ensure safety and cleanliness throughout the year. In the wake of concern over COVID-19 in King County and guidance that large gatherings be postponed, market organizers have been proactively consulting on additional measures, and are voluntarily implementing the following to help prevent the spread of illness.
• Public handwashing stations will be available for shoppers;
• Customary cancellation fees are not being charged to any vendor who cancels due to illness or concern over public contact;
• Handwashing posters and public health information will be posted;
• Cooking demonstrations, public seating, and special events within the market have been cancelled to reduce close proximity gathering and increase available supplies for handwashing stations;
• A zero-tolerance policy for market staff or vendors who attend the market if they are experiencing illness;
• Everyone is cooperating to ensure cleanliness of “high touch” items and areas, such as card readers and touch screens.
Alessandra Gordon, owner of Ayako and Family and longtime vendor at the U-District and Ballard Farmers Markets stated, “Health and safety is important – know and trust that the small food businesses and farmers in your area are continuing best practices.”
“It’s a tricky situation in that farmers markets are public gatherings.” says Colleen Donovan, Executive Director of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, “Farmers markets bring people together precisely to promote health through good food and community, so public health is always top of mind. And they are also places of business and the embodiment of local supply chains for healthy food which is always important and even more so now.”
The market happens in the street on California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska, 10 am-2 pm Sundays.
Another update today from the Senior Center of West Seattle, looking ahead to next week:
The Senior Center of West Seattle (SCWS) shares your concerns about the rapidly evolving and expanding global novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 at the SCWS, nor any staff with symptoms.
The SCWS will be closed through Friday, March 13th except for the essential programs listed below. We do not have a date that we will be reopening due to these exceptional circumstances and we are following recommendations from the King County Department of Public Health.
SCWS ESSENTIAL PROGRAM UPDATE
Community Dining – starting on Monday, March 9th we will be providing sack lunches to participants 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10th Food Bank Distribution – We will provide prepared bags of food for pick-up starting at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 11th Meals on Wheels will be delivered as normal.
Social Workers are continuing outreach and will have office hours for individuals as needed.
Tax Help Appointments – will take place on Thursday, March 12th and Friday, March 13th.
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.
The Washington State Department of Health and Seattle & King County Public Health advise that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large public gatherings where there will be close contact with others. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified that there is an increased risk of exposure for people with weakened immunity, pregnancy, and those over the age of 60 in large gatherings.
CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
As we continue to monitor and respond to the situation, we request your partnership in keeping everyone in the community healthy and minimizing the spread of infectious disease. To facilitate this goal, if you have symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR have traveled to a country the CDC has designated with a travel warning level 3 (Mainland China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, and Japan) in the last 14 days, please do not enter the buildings. We recognize that we must each do our part, individually and collectively, to provide the safest possible environment for our PNA community.
Additionally, the SCWS reminds you to exercise caution when reading and using social media responsibly. There is a great deal of misinformation on social media platforms that may alarm or mislead your family or others. You can find accurate, up to date information on webpages set up by the CDC at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Washington State Department of Health at Novel Coronavirus Outbreak 2020.
We will continue to communicate frequently about the SCWS response and post updates on our website (www.sc-ws.org) and our phone message 206-932-4044 and westseattleblog.com.
We’ll keep the newest Senior Center update linked on our cancellations, postponements, changes page, too.
(Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Kersti Muul)
In addition to collecting cancellations, postponements, and changes – here’s our updated, ongoing list – we are doing our best to verify what IS happening, before publishing our daily highlight lists. So here’s what we have so far:
****CONFIRMED – HAPPENING AS SCHEDULED****
WINE! The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room is open the regular 5-9 pm schedule. (5910 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK CORNER BAR: The monthly Highland Park Improvement Club Corner Bar is on, starting at 6 pm. Music by New Primitives Trio. (1116 SW Holden)
‘THE BOOK CLUB PLAY’: Second weekend for the Twelfth Night Productions play at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm curtain. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 13 Rabbit and Frames in Motion. 7 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: ‘Music Is the Best Fest,’ 9 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
We’re still checking on other events that are listed in our calendar and will add anything more that we confirm.
****TONIGHT’S CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS****
DNDA’s Destination Delridge fundraiser (announcement)
Nelson Wright, Steve Beck, & Brian Cutler @ C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), but the coffeehouse itself IS open
206-293-5302 text/voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com, for any and all info on changes – or if you want to tell us about something that IS still on – thank you!
12:49 PM: Avoid 35th/Fauntleroy – emergency responders are at the scene of the crash shown on that SDOT traffic-camera framegrab; at least three vehicles appear to be involved. SDOT says 35th is blocked both ways but so far Fauntleroy traffic (to and from the bridge) is getting through.
1:56 PM: The scene is now clear. We’re checking with SFD about injuries.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
New information on the King County quarantine/isolation facility planned at 206 SW 112th [map] in Top Hat, just east of White Center, first announced Tuesday. The new details emerged in a conference call meeting that county reps organized for community members; we were on that call, which just concluded, for WSB and partner site White Center Now.
The site will start up with two 4-room trailers, with up to six more when a vacant building on the site is demolished. (Above is our photo of the first trailer that was delivered Tuesday – the county had 14 in storage on Harbor Island.) The county has now decided NOT to open the site until utilities including water/sewer are hooked up to the trailers’ built-in bathrooms – they originally had said they would start with portable toilets and hand-washing stations but have scrapped that plan. They expect the connections will be complete by the middle of next week.
The site will NOT have medical staff – but the county plans to “check in” with people at least twice a day. They also plan to deliver food and other supplies. And they will have 24-hour security who will “notify” county reps if someone leaves the site.
Who will be there? Criteria are still being developed, the county reps said. Three scenarios were mentioned for starters – people who are traveling and have nowhere else to go, people who are unhoused, people who can’t “self-quarantine” because of a situation at their home such as an at-risk person also living there.
How long will someone stay? If they’re being tested – until the test results are in, if those results are negative. If they’re ill, “until they’ve recovered.”
The call wasn’t strictly informational – strong opposition was voiced, primarily by people pointing out that the area is home to low-income people and other marginalized populations and should not have to bear this burden and risk. “10,000 people are opposed” was mentioned – apparently a reference to this online petition. But county reps were clear – this decision has been made and will not change.
Those on the call, besides several staffers from various county departments such as Local Services, included County Councilmember Joe McDermott and Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta. McDermott said County Executive Dow Constantine‘s request for emergency funding will be approved at next Tuesday’s King County Council meeting.
We have a few other details to add shortly.
ADDED 12:58 PM: First, for those wondering about the other two quarantine sites, the county has provided these addresses – 531 Elliott Avenue West [map] in Interbay and 1132 N. 128th Street [map] in North Seattle. The Top Hat site was formerly home to the Wilderness Technology Alliance.
Julie Hiatt of the North Highline Fire District, which serves the area, was on the call and said NHFD had not even had a meeting with the county to talk about this; one was promised. County reps also said they were not intending for NHFD to have to transport patients to/from the site; they are working with potential providers such as Tri-Med.
One community member on the call was aghast at the single-security-guard plan: “You’re bringing this into poor communties and telling us there’s going to be one security guard for people who might leave?” Security plans would be re-evaluated along the way, county reps said. Another community member: “If this is going to spread, this is not the community you want it to spread in – most (nearby) people don’t even have health insurance.” The site is in a densely populated area of North Highline, with neighboring apartment complexes including the huge new Southside by Vintage across SW 112th.
Another community member: “It seems like an experiment. … The community does not want this facility here. It’s going to cause death … There is death attached to this facility.” County reps countered that this was meant to save lives; Local Services director John Taylor countered, “The consequence to the community of not doing this could be disastrous.”
The call ended after an hour but more communication including an email list was promised.
We start today with a reminder that we have an ongoing list of local changes, cancellations, and postponements – see it here. We’re updating it as fast as we can, and marking pre-existing calendar events; also, at this point, before we publish a daily highlight list, we are doing our best to verify what IS still happening. Best way to get us updates – as with everything – is via email (westseattleblog@gmail.com) or via our hotline (text/voice 206-293-6302) – thank you!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:57 AM: Good morning. Texter reports a stalled tanker truck on the EB West Seattle Bridge, and the camera shows a backup on the Spokane St. Viaduct, though there’s no word from SDOT. Meantime, WSDOT reports a crash blocking the HOV lane on NB I-5 north of the WS Bridge.
WEEKEND REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 am Sunday – that’s when we “spring forward” one hour.
7:08 AM: Another tip clarifies that the tanker is on the EB bridge at 4th. Meantime, SFD is arriving at the aforementioned I-5 crash scene (which is now blocking 2 lanes).
7:39 AM: WSDOT says that crash is now cleared.
Here’s our nightly roundup of the major local developments from the past 24 hours or so:
NEW KING COUNTY CASES/DEATHS: No King County briefing today, but the daily news release from Seattle-KC Public Health began:
This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County. All King County residents should follow Public Health recommendations. Together, we may potentially impact the spread of the disease in our community. Public Health – Seattle & King County announces today 20 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in King County residents. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 51, including 10 deaths.
The newly reported death was a previously reported case:
This new death was in a woman in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She died on 3/3/20. With these 20 new results, the total number of cases in King County is 51. The total number of deaths is ten. As more laboratory capacity for testing comes online, more tests and results will be reported. We will no longer be routinely providing details about each case.
Later in the day, one particular case did get some more light in a separate announcement:
A part-time employee at CenturyLink Field who worked at the Feb. 22 Seattle Dragons game has tested positive for COVID-19, though risk to fans who attended is low, according to county health officials.
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS: Our West Seattle list continues to grow – see it here. We are also publishing major institutional/organizational announcements as we get them. Three of note today:
–Senior Center of West Seattle changes starting tomorrow
–Three local UCC churches cancel worship TFN
–Seattle Parks cancels senior (Lifelong Recreation) programs TFN
If your organization, business, school, group, etc. has cancellations, postponements, changes, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.
WHY NOT CLOSE ALL SCHOOLS? That question keeps coming up, so here’s how SKCPH addressed it today:
Public Health is not currently recommending that schools proactively close unless they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member or student.
This guidance may have been confusing for some families and schools because schools bring together large groups of children. School closures have significant negative impacts on our community. We will be providing additional information to schools about how to stay open safely. The considerations we have taken in our decision not to currently recommend routine closure at schools include:
Children are not known to get seriously ill from COVID-19
Closing schools may not be effective because some children may congregate anyway, at other locations
Many parents, such as healthcare workers, need to be at work. If these critical workers stay home with children it causes significant impacts on the healthcare system and other institutions that are essential for our community to function
If schools close, some children might have to stay home with alternative caregivers, such as elders, who are more vulnerable
We don’t know how effective children are in spreading this disease
Some children and staff may be at higher risk for severe illness because of underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. Public Health advises that those people consult with their healthcare provider to decide the best course of action.Public Health also respects each individual school’s decisions about closures, postponement of activities, or other social distancing measures – as each school knows the needs of their community best.
Public Health is continually assessing our decision not to require the widespread closure of schools. We are continually evaluating information as it becomes available to better inform our decisions about proactive schools closure.
Seattle Public Schools is canceling some events and activities – here’s today’s SPS update.
CITY BRIEFING: One day later than originally scheduled, the City Council heard from department heads this afternoon – here’s video of the 2-hour briefing:
SMALL BUSINESSES HURTING: During that briefing, District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold told a city Office of Economic Development rep that she had heard from a West Seattle small-business owner (who she did not identify) who had warned that they and others were seeing a 20 percent to 30 percent drop in business compared to this time last year, and just a few months of that could be catastrophic.
ADDED SHELTER/ENCAMPMENT SPACE: Mayor Durkan announced today that one tiny-house encampment will be expanded and one added; neither is in West Seattle. You can read her announcement here.
SCAM WARNING: State Attorney General Bob Ferguson warned that COVID-19-pegged scams are circulating.
STATE TOTALS: Want a wider look: The state Department of Health page is updated daily.
(added) VICE PRESIDENTIAL VISIT: Here’s video of Gov. Inslee and Vice President Pence speaking to/with reporters this evening:
(added) WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONFIRMED/SUSPECTED COVID-19 OR FEAR YOU MIGHT: Just in late tonight from Seattle-King County Public Health, this advice.
WSB CONTINUING COVERAGE: Whatever we publish is categorized so that you can find it anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts.
(First-stage design packet for project)
The Southwest Design Review Board got its first look tonight at the ~126-unit apartment building proposed for 3417 Harbor Avenue SW.
They decided to approve advancing the project out of the first phase – Early Design Guidance.
Two community members showed up, in addition to four board members (chair Crystal Loya was absent so vice chair Matt Hutchins led the meeting), city planner Crystal Torres, and six members of the project team.
Here’s how the meeting unfolded:
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
First thing Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jesús Aguirre wanted to clarify before a packed room at Delridge Community Center on Monday night – the Seattle Park District does NOT go back to voters for renewal – it’s a permanent taxing authority.
(We’ll confess, even we were confused, so it was a welcome clarification.)
What he was there to kick off – in what was supposed to be the first of three regional meetings around the city, though the other two have just been canceled – was feedback and decisionmaking on what the tax money collected by the Park District will pay for over the next six years. Here’s the slide deck he used to outline it:
(Or, see it here in PDF.) Aguirre will be sending a proposed six-year spending plan to the mayor in May, and after a process including multiple public hearings, it’ll be finalized by the Park District Board – aka the City Council – in November. That will be concurrent with the overall Parks and Rec Department two-year budget plan.
As shown in the slide deck, the superintendent hit the highlights of what the Park District had paid for in the past five-plus years, including art and sports/fitness initiatives, some of the long-overdue maintenance that was cited as a major reason to create the district, scholarship funds to cover fees for those who can’t afford them, community events, programming for older adults … the list went on.
Along the way, Aguirre said, they learned community centers and pools needed even more maintenance than the new funding could handle. They also learned that “free programming was very successful,” and that the scholarship funds were in high demand.
The department also worked on a new strategic plan, highlighting the city’s explosive population growth – 105,000+ new residents since the Park District’s creation. And that’s been accompanied by another kind of growth – the wealth gap – so Parks has focused on equity.
Before making way for table talk, Aguirre threw out three questions, suggesting that each table address one of them:
1. How can Parks facilities serve more people?
2. How can Parks keep taking care of its system?
3, How can Parks build toward the city of the future?
He noted that the system has almost 500 individual buildings.
At the table we observed, Question #1 was addressed; one recurrent critique was that Parks needs to be much more proactive in getting the word out about its programs and services. One woman who was there primarily to advocate for more pickleball access wondered how people find out. One man suggested communicating by USPS mail could be “effective.”
Another participant suggested expanded hours; yet another, there to advocate for space for roller derby, said her organization needed earlier access to reserving space.
Could available hours be expanded by doing more off-peak maintenance/repairs? Is the city adequately tracking which facilities go unused, and when?
When the tables each reported back to the full group, it was clear other attendees had similar sentiments, plus a few others to add – such as, a need for restrooms – even if only portable ones – at more parks and playgrounds.
There was also a warning: Don’t use the Park District money to replace what would previously have been covered by the regular city budget – the commitment made 6 years ago for this to be above and beyond that, needs to be honored.
MISSED THE MEETING? You can still tell the Parks Department what you think the Park District $ should be spent on. Go here and scroll down to the survey link; an email address for comments is available too – PDplanning@seattle.gov. And if you are looking for more financial specifics – here’s 107 pages worth, as shown at an open house last month:
(Here’s the PDF version on Parks’ website.)
2:33 PM: Avoid the bridge for a while – a crash on the eastbound side at Highway 99 is affecting both directions, as shown in the traffic-cam screengrab above. (Thanks for the tips!)
2:51 PM: The westbound side is no longer obstructed but two lanes are blocked on the eastbound side right at the 99 exit.
3:02 PM: All lanes clear. (Thanks to Dan for that tip.) We’re checking with SFD re: injuries.
4:06 PM: No serious injuries, SFD tells us – no one needed to be taken to the hospital.
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.
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