West Seattle, Washington
09 Wednesday
So many people have been asking about this restaurant, we wanted to get the news out as soon as possible – Lee’s Asian Restaurant (4510 California SW) emailed us this afternoon to say they’re reopening on Monday (June 1st)! Amy says they’re reopening “with our full menu and regular business hours, with takeout only. We look forward to serving our neighborhood again.” Hours will be 11 am-9:30 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; 11 am-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays; noon-9:30 pm Sundays; closed Tuesdays.
With two days left until his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order expires, Governor Inslee is presenting an update right now. We’ll add notes as it goes. Whatever he announces, King County leaders plan their own update shortly afterward; we’ll carry that live, separately, too.
He says the stay-home order WILL end Sunday night. He says the tough measures weren’t an over-reaction – they’ve resulted in lower death rates because “we got it right.”
What’s next? County-by-county rules and policies, Inslee says, using those “new tools” such as testing, contact tracing, masks. He cautions this does NOT mean a “return to normal.” He says metrics will be used to approve whether counties can move forward or be “dial(ed) back,” and he’s outlining the metrics that will be watched, including targets such as notifying 90 percent of an infected person’s contacts within 24 hours of a positive test result. Another focus: “Protecting the vulnerable.”
He notes that counties are now getting more “flexibility” to move ahead – maybe with some activities in the next phase but not all, if they don’t meet the phase-advancing criteria. And now he’s talking about th importance of face coverings, which he says “can be very effective in protecting the other person” – a “small thing” to protect someone else’s life. “A face covering is an expression of love … a badge of commitment,” so that means new guidance for workers to wear them unless they’re working alone. Employers will need to require them. This will take effect June 8th.
2:55 PM: If you have trouble with the TVW feed, refresh the page or try the direct link. Now speaking, Dr. John Lynch from Harborview/UW Medicine, who says he’s been working on the COVID-19 response from the start; he underscores the importance of mask wearing because you could be asymptomatically spreading the virus, unaware. Physical distancing remains important too. Staying home when you’re sick is also vital.
The governor then reiterates, “We’re not done yet” – the outbreak could resurge – and that’s why taking precautions is vital. The stay-home order was a “lifeboat” for a few months and “we’re getting out of that lifeboat now” but getting into a different one. And staying close to home remains important, not overwhelming popular tourism spots – the day will return when traveling freely will be OK, he promises.
Now Q&A: How long will the turnaround time be for counties’ applications to move ahead, under the new criteria? State Health Secretary John Wiesman says at least a few days for conversations and evaluation, but “as quickly as we can.” The governor adds that the contact-tracing program will be county-managed – “you need to show us it’s really working.”
Second question is about the new looser case # per 100,000 – why is it OK now but wasn’t weeks ago? The health secretary says they wanted to start “conservative(ly)” to make sure it was safe. “There is no magic number here,” he insists, also noting that the new number is the one some other states are using now, such as California. The governor says new modeling also gave him confidence.
What about the possibility of flare-ups? The governor says that’s in our hands – taking simple steps (mask wearing, distancing, etc.) can prevent it. What about schools and colleges? That’s a separate process, and discussions are under way already. … Why weren’t masks required sooner? Their value wasn’t clear in the early going, the governor says – learning about this disease and how to fight it has been “an iterative process.” To clarify, retailers won’t be forced to refuse service to non-mask wearers (though they can CHOOSE to) but they WILL be required to post a sign asking people to wear masks. That’s the state rule, anyway, though, the governor points out, counties have the right to have tougher rules.
The governor wraps at 3:37 pm by saying, “These decisions today are based on our confidence in Washingtonians.” Archived video should be available soon, and we’ll link documents such as the new replacement order when available. Now on to the county briefing.
The photo and report are from Amanda:
We’ve got a lemonade stand set up on the corner of 62nd and SW Stevens st. In the Alki neighborhood. They are raising money to buy face masks and donate them to people in need at hospitals.
Amanda says they’ll likely be there a few more hours – “until we run out of cups.”
(Google Maps Street View photo of site, August 2019)
A unique redevelopment project in South Delridge has just gotten land-use approval. Earlier this year, we briefly mentioned the five “cottages” proposed to replace an old house at 9224 20th SW (map). The project documents show the site owner told the city he planned to rent the small 2-story houses rather than sell them, and that two would be “affordable” to satisfy the HALA-Mandatory Housing Affordability requirements of the site. Otherwise, documents say, the property owner would expect to pay a fee of almost $30,000 in lieu of having affordable units. Five offstreet-parking spaces are planned. The city approval document is here; the notice explaining how to appeal is here.
Three weeks ago, our nightly roundup featured photos from Lisa spotlighting street art – on a “Stay Healthy Street” in Puget Ridge. Now there’s more – in non-permanent paint that tomorrow’s forecast rain might wash away, so here it is, photo-preserved for posterity.
That photo shows the finished version of one that was under way when Lisa sent photos previously. These are on SW Myrtle between 17th and 18th (map).
Thanks to Shawna for the tip: While Louisa Boren STEM K-8 would usually be kicking off Pride Month right about now with the annual GGLOW OWLS Family Dance Party, that’s not possible this year, so instead they’re having an online party and an ice-cream-truck pop-up. The Full Tilt Ice Cream truck will be outside the school (5950 Delridge Way SW) 5:30-7:30 pm tonight. All welcome to come buy ice cream – should be perfect weather for it.
5:53 AM: Good morning – the 67th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. We start with two traffic reminders – #1, SW Roxbury repaving between 16th and 18th continues. We went by late yesterday – the new pavement is done in the eastbound lanes, so the westbound side is next:
Here’s the nearest traffic camera:
Reminder #2 – the low bridge will be closed to ALL users (including bicycle riders and people on foot) tonight 8 pm-5 am, Saturday night 6 pm-3 am, and – if needed – Sunday night 6 pm-3 am. Details here.
Back to this morning’s traffic – here are the cameras for the 5-way intersection at West Marginal/Delridge/Spokane/Chelan, and the restricted-access low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Reduced schedule; reduced capacity; check here for next departure
Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues
Sound Transit reminder – Link light rail and Sounder trains will start charging fares again Monday
During the stay-home order, we’re not live-monitoring morning traffic, but we’ll update with word of incidents, so please let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (but not if you’re drivingl!) 206-293-6302.
“WSRes” just emailed to say a neighbor’s car was stolen less than an hour ago, near 35th/Raymond. It’s a red 1990 Subaru Loyale. (Update: plate #659 YTG.) Call 911 if you see it.
FRIDAY UPDATE: Found!
(Added: WSB photos)
9:46 PM: Police are closing 9th SW between Elmgrove and Kemyon in Highland Park because of what was described in radio communication as a gas leak that may have been caused by a crash. They’re also evacuating some nearby residents. More as we get it.
10:05 PM: The gas has been shut off and the street is expected to reopen soon. We are in the area to see what else we can find out.
10:29 PM: Raad’s open again. Police told us at the scene that the gas line, on a driveway serving multiple residences, was hit but the driver was gone when they arrived. No other damage.
Another briefing from the governor – but still no final word on June 1st. That tops our roundup again tonight:
MAYBE TOMORROW? Gov. Inslee said he MIGHT have more to say on Friday about what happens June 1st (aka Monday). Otherwise, the briefing’s main topics were testing of patients/staff at long-term-care and assisted-living facilities and protection for farm workers; here’s our coverage
NOW THERE ARE 26: Kitsap and Clallam counties joined the Phase 2 list today.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard
*7,986 people have tested positive, up 55 from yesterday
*552 people have died, up 3 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 7,645 and 534.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: More than 5.8 million cases, 1.7 million of them in the U.S. (four times Brazil, which has the second-highest total). See the global outbreak breakout, nation by nation, here.
NEW WEEKLY TESTING IN WEST SEATTLE: We briefly mentioned this in last Friday night’s roundup but didn’t get details until tonight – weekly COVID-19 testing starts tomorrow, 10 am-3 pm, in the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) north parking lot.
FOOD-AID UPDATE: From the state’s daily virus-crisis newsletter:
This week WSDA’s Food Assistance program distributed 1.09 million pounds of food, enough to serve more than 170,000 clients. In addition, Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen helped box nearly 2.8 million pounds of food and assembled more than 51,000 meals. Since March, Guardsmen have boxed more than 18.4 million pounds of food and assembled 1.1 million meals.
SPEAKING OF THE NATIONAL GUARD … the president won’t be pulling federal funding early after all. As we’ve reported, both the West Seattle and White Center food banks have been getting help from Guard soldiers.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
As we first reported last week, a new weekly COVID-19 testing site is about to start up at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge. We’ve been working all week to get additional details, and info just came in, as follows:
UW Medicine and the Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods are opening a mobile COVID-19 testing site at South Seattle College’s main campus in West Seattle starting May 29. The testing site is open Fridays only, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. SSC agreed to be the host location to help improve testing access for the communities of south and southwest Seattle, and south King County.
Location & Time
When: Fridays only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning May 29
Where: South Seattle College’s North Parking Lot, accessed by Entry 1, located at 6000 16th Ave SW. (campus map here). Please Note: Visitors should only use Entry 1/North Parking Lot entrance. South Seattle College’s physical campus is otherwise closed to the public in response to COVID-19 with very limited exceptions for essential staff and programs approved by the state. The college is operating remotely until further notice and will run summer and fall quarter classes in accordance with public health guidelines.
Testing Site Details
Anyone experiencing the following symptoms can come to the testing site, speak with medical staff from UW Medicine and, if qualified for testing, get tested on-site:
Cough
Shortness or breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Muscle Aches
Headaches
Chills
Sore throat
Runny nose
New loss of taste or smellThere is no cost to be tested. If you have health insurance UW Medicine will bill your insurance.
Walk-up and drive-up visitors are welcome. Please note due to King County Metro bus service reductions in response to the pandemic, the college does not currently have Route 125 or 128 service to campus. Visitors should only use Entry 1/ North Parking Lot Entrance, where UW Medicine staff will direct you.
Neighborcare Health also has been doing COVID-19 testing in West Seattle, outside its High Point clinic.
In English and Spanish, that’s a new video message from Denny International Middle School staff, made for its students, but potentially of interest to the wider community too. Three weeks are left until this most-unusual school year ends on June 19th.
Thanks for the tips and pic! One month after we reported that The Original Bakery in Fauntleroy was gearing up to reopen, it’s happened. Today was the first day back for the beloved bakery, now equipped with a take-out window. The announcement:
This week we will be open for takeout with a limited menu of donuts and pastries. We will not be serving coffee or espresso yet. Our hours are from 9 am-3 pm Thursday through Saturday. Sorry, no telephone or online orders. We will operate similarly to a food truck to start, first come, first serve. When we sell out of items, we will be out for the day. We appreciate your patience as this process will move a bit slower than our regular service. We will take orders and contactless payment (credit card only) at the walk-up window. There will be a pick-up table at the far end door when your name is called.
The Original Bakery is at 9253 45th SW. (And of course we’re updating our ongoing restaurants/food/beverage-businesses list.)
2:33 PM: For the second consecutive day, Gov. Inslee is having a mid-afternoon media briefing, this time described as “an update on the state’s long-term-care COVID-19 testing plan and farmworker protections.” But with three days left in the stay-home order, that’s likely to come up in Q&A at the very least, so we’ll be adding notes as it happens.
The agricultural topic is first, and he notes that 100,000 people work in that industry in our state; he’s issuing a “proclamation with clear guidelines” for both employers and workers. He makes note that workers are striking in Yakima. He and Labor & Industries director Joel Sacks mention a few points of the new rules, including access to face coverings and more handwashing stations.
2:45 PM: Erik Nicholson of the United Farm Workers is also speaking, detailing workers’ concerns and how they’re being addressed by the new rules. He says that the governor’s action reinforces the essential nature of farm work. … The governor then moves on to the long-term-care topic. He notes that his 103-year-old grandmother is in a facility. The state is issuing an order to broaden testing requirements in LTC and assisted-living facilities. All residents and staff must be tested by June 12th, except memory-care facilities have an extra two weeks – if they haven’t been tested recently. The state will send the facilities test kits and PPE, Inslee says, and will pay the lab costs for staff (for residents, he expects that insurance will cover the cost).
2:55 PM: Secretary of Health John Wiesman is elaborating on this. He notes that they’ve continued to see a decline in outbreaks at these facilities. He says it will enable them in particular to focus on facilities that haven’t had outbreaks, to be sure no one is infected but asymptomatic.
3:01 PM: On to Q&A. First one is about penalties for violating the new farmworker-protection rules. The governor stresses that while “sanctions are available,” he expects that won’t be needed as the “vast majority” of businesspeople are complying. … Second question notes that a judge is expected to rule Monday on the governor’s stay-home order; the governor says the filing of a lawsuit is not affecting his decisionmaking, but that aside, “We believe we’re on very firm ground” as he acted on an obligation “to save people’s lives.” … Next question, Snohomish County wants to seek a variance despite not meeting the current requirements, any comment on that? The governor says he’s been talking with people there but as for what’s next, he’ll have decisions “in the days ahead” about “what happens June 1” … He also says the state’s been getting testing supplies that will allow that to be ramped up. … Is the farmworker announcement too little too late? He says, “We’re making decisions on an hourly basis with huge ramifications on people’s lives.” … In response to another question, he says he’s looking into whether the state can create a relief fund for undocumented workers without legslation … Does the Employment Security department director still have his full confidence? Yes, he said, noting that the department has recovered $300 million. … What about the ongoing reports that some deaths counted as COVID were not? The governor says even with that, it could still be higher than reported, but to some degree the specific number is irrelevant – “hundreds of deaths …is a pandemic.” He also criticizes politicians (without naming them) who have claimed the pandemic was “a hoax” and/or going to end quickly. And he goes on to say masks can be very effective so it’s dangerous when “leaders …and I can think of at least one” deride them. Other questions from there focused on the protections for farmworkers and how those will be monitored/enforced. … Last questions include, what’s to keep people from Phase 1 counties in central Puget Sound “flooding” nearby counties that have been allowed into Phase 2? The governor says that hasn’t been seen yet and they’re hoping it won’t.
In closing, he says that “masking requirements” will be an increasing component of strategy to keep the virus from spreading even as things open up. Wearing one is a sign of your love for your community, he stresses. He wraps at 3:37 pm.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The proposal to remove one downhill lane of Highland Park Way traffic and add an uphill protected bicycle lane is shelved for now.
That was the big headline from last night’s HPAC discussion with SDOT, a week and a half after that particular detail of the Highland Park Way/Holden safety project update came to light, sparking controversy.
Instead, SDOT will focus on figuring out how to expand the trail along the downhill lanes.
But first, HPAC got a West Seattle Bridge update that segued into traffic issues. SDOT’s Heather Marx recapped where things stand and what’s been done related to traffic effects – all of which we’ve reported on, but if you’re interested in a recap, check out this SDOT post from earlier this week, and our most-recent update. On the bridge itself, they’re preparing for Pier 18 work, and the new Community Task force and Technical Advisory Panel will have their first meetings the week of June 8th.
Traffic-mitigation projects will be focused on what can be done in less than a year and for less than $100,000 because that way SDOT doesn’t have to send them out to bid and can move faster. Plans, she said, will address effects on SODO, South Park, Georgetown, Highland Park, Riverview, South Delridge, Roxhill – in other words, the areas now getting barraged with detour traffic. When the draft traffic-mitigation plans are out, they’ll look for community prioritization. The timeline for the plans is approximately:
(Photo sent by Matt Ohlinger)
11:58 AM: As previewed last night, the tower crane for 1250 Alki SW is going up right now, which means traffic is down to one lane (alternating) until it’s done.
(Photo sent by Stewart L.)
The project team estimates it’ll take until 4 pm or so.
(Photo sent by Lynn Hall)
The project, Infinity Shore Club Residences, is planned for 40 condominiums on a site that previously held five houses and had an earlier proposal – five years ago – for 125 apartments.
(Photo sent by Stewart L.)
7:41 PM: By just after 6, the installation appeared mostly done:
(Photo sent by Lynn Hall)(WSB photo)
With this, there are currently two tower cranes in West Seattle; the other is at the 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW two-building mixed-use project.
Thanks to Andy for the photo. The latest standalone Starbucks store to reopen in the area is the Admiral shop (41st SW/Admiral Way), which has been remodeled during its closure. “We are remodeled and brand new!! We are excited to have customers come back and see the new store!!” says Sarah. … Other food/beverage changes: You can now get food from Easy Street Café 7 am-3 pm, 7 days a week … Falafel Salam has updated hours too … all those changes are on our ongoing West Seattle food/beverage list (thanks again to everyone who keeps sending word of updates, westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302).
Thanks to Jack for tweeting the photo. The 19th SW/SW Charlestown stairway (map) is taped off after an overnight crash. We heard a collision call there in the very early morning hours but no details; Pigeon Point resident Pete tells us the driver “missed the dead-end sgns and headed down the stairs toward Marginal Way; police had to have a tow truck pull it back up the stairs.” It’s been reported to SDOT for repairs.
6:07 AM: Good morning – the 66th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. We start with two traffic reminders – #1, SW Roxbury repaving between 16th and 18th continues. Here’s our preview; here’s the westbound detour map:
Here’s the nearest traffic camera:
And in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW, traffic will be one lane, alternating directions, all day because of a crane installation.
On with our other featured cameras. for the 5-way intersection at West Marginal/Delridge/Spokane/Chelan, and the restricted-access low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Reduced schedule; reduced capacity; check here for next departure
Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues
Sound Transit reminder – Link light rail and Sounder trains will start charging fares again June 1st (Monday)
During the stay-home order, we’re not live-monitoring morning traffic, but we’ll update with word of incidents, so please let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (but not if you’re drivingl!) 206-293-6302.
The governor’s still mulling June 1, and tonight’s other virus-crisis toplines:
WHAT THE GOVERNOR SAID & DIDN’T SAY: We’re still in suspense as to whether the stay-home order will be extended or will expire Sunday as scheduled. The governor’s only announcement today was a loosening of the rules for religious gatherings – in Phase 1 counties like ours, under 100 people can gather outdoors to worship, but with precautions.
Here’s our coverage of today’s briefing.
MOVING TO PHASE 2: The county that is home to the state capital, Thurston, just won approval, as did Kittitas and Walla Walla.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary data dashboard:
*7,931 people have tested positive, up 35 from yesterday
*549 people have died, up 5 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 7,617 and 530.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
WHAT’S A ‘CLOSE CONTACT’? From the state Health Department’s nightly digest:
Today, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) updated the definition of a COVID-19 close contact to align with new CDC guidance. The new guidance states that a close contact is defined as someone who was within six feet of someone with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes. Previous guidance stated 10 minutes.
“Our guidance has changed over time as we learn more about COVID-19, and will continue to do so in the future,” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy. “This update doesn’t change our recommendations for members of the public. We continue to urge people to maintain physical distance to protect themselves and others.”
DOH will be working over the next few days to update our website and associated guidance documents.
CONGRATS, CSIHS CLASS OF 2020: Another drive-thru event in honor of seniors who won’t get to have an in-person ceremony. The Sealth staff made it as festive as possible:
The Sealth “virtual graduation” is June 17th; WSHS is June 18th. (District-wide list is here.)
ANOTHER CELEBRATION AT A DISTANCE: Anniversary serenade!
ALL IN WA: This relief coalition is presenting a fundraising concert (online, of course) June 10th, and headliners include local superstar rockers Pearl Jam (which you of course know includes West Seattleites!).
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Just got word of a traffic alert for tomorrow: The Infinity Shore Club Residences construction site at 1250 Alki SW will get its crane installed, which means, according to the project team:
Alki Ave will be reduced to a single lane of alternating traffic from 5:00 AM to approximately 4:00 PM.
Police will be providing traffic control throughout the day.
That’ll be West Seattle’s second crane; the other is at the two-building 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW project.
Thanks to Laurence Shaw for this series of photos from Alki during low tide earlier this week.
He says, “I was lucky enough to witness a pair of Great Blue Herons battling over a spot of lunch near the 1300 block of Alki Ave SW.”
“Happy to report that the bird who made the catch ultimately held on to its prize.”
(WSB photos/video)
Caps, gowns, signs, and more are now in the hands of Chief Sealth International High School seniors, after a drive-up event at the school today – a chance for staff and seniors to see each other, at a distance, for the first time since campuses closed 2 1/2 months ago:
Along with the caps and gowns, honor cords and other items were picked up, plus the Class of 2020 received cheers:
Among those there to cheer the seniors – Chief Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and Sammy the Seahawk:
And the “Lunch Ladies” were there too:
Among the surprises for seniors – special cookies:
The well-wishing extended even to four-legged volunteers:
The district is planning “virtual graduations,” and the dates/times are now online – Sealth will be at 8:30 pm June 17th.
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