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Spotlight Stories

West Seattle Transportation Coalition sails into discussion of ferries, Water Taxi role in bridge crisis
June 6, 2020 9:40 am
|      59 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

What role might boats play in the West Seattle Bridge crisis?

That was the major theme as the West Seattle Transportation Coalition met by teleconference and phone last week, with guests speaking on behalf of the two waterborne transportation systems that already serve West Seattle.

You can watch the archived video of the meeting here; below, our report:

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Government-relations director John Vezina and communicator Hadley Rodero were the guests. They addressed some points that have come up repeatedly in West Seattle Bridge-related discussion:

*Does/did traffic from ferries help clog the bridge? This slide addressed that:

Read More

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HAPPENING TODAY: Bike ride, marches, protest as West Seattle fights for justice, against racism
June 6, 2020 6:34 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

In the past week, we’ve covered seven peaceful protests in West Seattle, as people here join the call for a more just, equitable country, Today, there are more:

BICYCLE RIDE: Leaving from Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) at noon:

Rain or shine; more info here.

JUNCTION PROTEST, AND 2 WAYS TO MARCH TO IT: One group is gathering by Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) at 12:30 pm to walk/march to the 2 pm protest, and another group is gathering at Anytime Fitness (California & College) at 12:30 pm to do the same thing. Or, you can go directly to California/Alaska to participate at 2 pm. The Junction protest is organized by local students:

All organizers remind those who choose to participate – wear your face covering and bring your hand sanitizer! Any other events today or beyond (our ongoing list also has a Monday protest), please let us know!

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 6/5 roundup
June 5, 2020 10:08 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Some local businesses are reopening for in-person customer service, and that’s the big news as we start this roundup, exactly 14 weeks after news of King County’s first confirmed COVID-19 case:

‘MODIFIED PHASE 1’ BEGINS: At midmorning, King County announced the news that so many businesses – and customers – had been waiting to hear: The state had approved the application to move to “modified Phase 1,” just two days after it was filed. The changes took effect immediately, so businesses have been busy announcing they’re open – or deciding on their next step.

ALSO MOVING ON: Other decisions announced today included neighboring Pierce and Snohomish Counties moving into full-fledged Phase 2.

BUT REMEMBER … this key section from the “Safe Start” plan:

Until there is an efective vaccine, efective treatment or herd immunity, it is crucial to maintain some level of community interventions to suppress the spread of COVID-19 throughout all phases of recovery. This includes heightened protections for the health and safety of workers in essential sectors, people living and working in high-risk facilities (e.g., senior care facilities) and all other workers.

All Washingtonians have a responsibility to protect themselves and others. Each phase, while allowing for additional services to open and return to full capacity, is grounded in the following required basic practices:

Guidance for Individuals
All phases – Individuals should continue to:
• Engage in physical distancing, staying at least six feet away from other people
• Wear cloth face coverings in public places when not eating or drinking (cloth face coverings should not
be placed on children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious,
incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance)
• Stay home if sick
• Avoid others who are sick
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available)
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*8,396 people have tested positive, up 63 from yesterday

*566 people have died, up 2 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 8,006 and 554.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

WASH BUT DON’T WASTE: After three months of frequent hand washing, has your water bill gone up? Seattle Public Utilities has conservation tips.

VIRTUAL ART SHOW: Art has helped many people cope with the uncertainty of the past few months – murals, windows, sidewalk chalk. Seattle Public Schools‘ annual Naramore art show had to be held virtually this year because of the virus crisis – you can see all the students’ work, and watch a video version, by going here.

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

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REOPENING SATURDAY: Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop, expanded
June 5, 2020 8:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Now that retailers have the go-ahead to let some customers shop in person, you’re invited to the expanded space of Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop (6400 California SW) starting tomorrow (Saturday, June 6th). You might recall that TRG proprietor Frank Gross bought the building last year and planned to eventually expand into the entire space; now that work is done. This video made for TRG and TBS by Ryan Cory gives you a closer look:

More room to shop means more room to shop safely as they reopen – Frank says they’re excited for you to come see the shop! But wear your face covering -he’s all set with his:

Hours are 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.

P.S. The Wash Dog, previous tenant on the north side of the building, is now at 10623 16th SW in White Center.

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PROTESTS: Along West Seattle intersections this afternoon, and reminders about tomorrow
June 5, 2020 7:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

More peaceful West Seattle protests this afternoon along local streets – first, near Highland Park Improvement Club at 12th/Holden:

(First 5 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

Not far away, Hate-Free Delridge was also back at 16th/Holden for the second time in three days. And at 8th/Roxbury:

Many honks of support, but our photographer saw one driver yelling that the protesters should “go home.” Brandon said something similar happened at a gathering in Upper Fauntleroy:

Earlier today, health-care providers knelt outside local facilities for a demonstration dubbed “White Coats for Black Lives.”

SATURDAY: We’re continuing to update this list. There’s now a noon bicycle ride from Alki, and two separate marches from north and south at ~12:30 pm to join the 2 pm Junction protest. Anything else this weekend or beyond? Please let us know – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Reopening begins (beverage businesses too!)
June 5, 2020 5:41 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

As reported here this morning, King County is now in “modified Phase 1” and that means some businesses can reopen if they choose to – including restaurants, who can have some indoor and outdoor table service. Here’s who we’ve heard from/about so far:

LUNA PARK CAFE: Open! (2918 SW Avalon Way)

SEATTLE FISH COMPANY: Open! (4435 California SW)

BOX BAR: Planning to open Saturday: “The Box Bar will be open for indoor dining at 25% capacity (15 guests) starting tomorrow Sat 6/6 from 4 PM-10 PM. Hours moving forward are subject to change so please check the website boxbarseattle.com” (California/Brandon)

OUNCES: “We’ve reopened our outdoor. We are following phase 1.5 guidelines from the state: no indoor seating, operating at 50% outdoor capacity, wearing a mask requested when inside the taproom, seating is spaced 6ft apart, no more than 5 people per table…etc. We are also asking customers to practice social distancing and help us by sanitizing their space before and after use (spray bottle supplied). We will continue our pickup and delivery options, expanded hours, and our food truck schedule can be found on our website www.ounceswestseattle.com.” (3809 Delridge Way SW)

MIOPOSTO: Planning to open Wednesday (6/10), with this brand-new patio as well as indoor dining:

“Updated hours are 11:30 am-10 pm. Brunch and lunch are served daily until 3 pm. Daily happy hour 4 pm-6 pm (dine-in only). Guests can still order for curbside pickup via our online ordering website.” (2139 California SW)

ADDED SATURDAY

UPTOWN ESPRESSO: Both West Seattle locations (California/Edmunds, Delridge/Andover) reopened today, “for indoor seating at 25% and outdoor seating at 50%. Indoor seating will have an hour limit and 5 people MAX per table.”

CHACO CANYON CAFE: Open, 10 am-5 pm daily. (37th/Alaska)

LOCOL BARLEY AND VINE: Now “open 7 days a week from 4-8 now. Our patio is open, dine-in seating is available, and we still offer everything to go as well.” (35th/Kenyon)

We’ll keep adding as we hear more!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Subaru Legacy
June 5, 2020 4:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Rebecca in Gatewood: “Early this morning, a red 1995 Subaru Legacy wagon with roof rack, license plate number BFP-5944, was stolen. Parked on street in front of residence. No broken glass, so most likely a shaved key was used. Car owner had a club on the steering wheel but that did not deter thieves. This theft has been reported to the police. If you see it please contact the police – Case #20-181934.” (Call 911 if you see this or any other known stolen car.)

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PROTESTS: West Seattle sign-making event, organized by students
June 5, 2020 4:27 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(WSB photos)

Planning to participate in upcoming protests? You’re invited to join the group making signs at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th and Myrtle) right now, materials provided.

Above are organizers Taylor and Celia, both high-school seniors. They’re expecting to be there until 6 pm – please wear a face covering and keep your distance!

P.S. Our ongoing list of local protests in the days ahead is here.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE NOW: Community coalition launches website, video
June 5, 2020 3:41 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

The advocacy group West Seattle Bridge Now – which we first told you about in April – has expanded its online presence. It now has a website at wsbridgenow.com, and it’s produced a short video to emphasize the bridge’s importance to the community:

The announcement is from WSBN’s Kevin Broveleit:

West Seattle Bridge Now is launching a website to keep the community connected to the latest information on solutions to the closure of the bridge. The group plans to grow the website into a comprehensive resource with project updates, event calendars and most importantly how to get involved and make your voice heard in the planning process. On the site you can sign up for email updates, and follow West Seattle Bridge Now on social media.

Broveleit tells WSB that among other things, the group is getting weekly briefings from SDOT’s bridge-project leader Heather Marx. WSBN also has representation on the city’s new Community Task Force, which will meet for the first time next Wednesday.

P.S. In case you’ve lost track with everything else that’s been happening, the most-recent major development is the city’s search for a design team in case the bridge needs to be replaced – here’s our report from Tuesday.

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OPEN AGAIN: West Seattle Runner, with extra safety measures
June 5, 2020 2:20 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The first of many reopening announcements, with this morning’s news that King County got the state OK to move immediately into “modified Phase 1” – the photo is from West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), which is now open!

We are open now until 4 tonight. Tomorrow we will be open 10-5, and Sunday 11-4. Starting next week our hours will be 10-6 M-F, 10-5 Sat and 11-4 Sun until phase 4.

We have gone a little over the top to keep staff and customers safe and distanced. We’ve added barriers to keep shoppers and people checking out separated even in close confines.

Even before state orders in March required WSR and other retailers to close in-store service, they had implemented special protection, well before even “essential” businesses followed suit.

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REOPENING: King County gets ‘modified Phase 1’ approval, effective immediately
June 5, 2020 10:44 am
|      109 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

10:44 AM: Just in – King County’s “modified Phase 1” approval from the state. Here’s the announcement:

With new state health officials’ approval today, restaurants and retailers will be allowed to serve customers in their establishments, in addition to other modified openings for a wide range of businesses and activities. Public Health – Seattle & King County will monitor transmission trends, medical capacity and other key indicators to help inform further reopening decisions.

A plan drafted by King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott and approved today by state Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman immediately allows limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses, recreation, and personal activities in King County.

Businesses are required to follow the state Department of Health’s specific guidance but must adjust their occupancy to the levels identified below. The State defines an establishment’s capacity as the fire code. The intent is to limit business operations to a level that allows for social distancing. Additionally, businesses in retail, professional services, and real estate must take steps to reduce indoor operations to thirty minutes. This is not meant to be timed to the second – no one is expected to have a stopwatch – but customers should be informed why it is important to limit close interactions.

Here is an overview of what’s happening in key sectors across King County:

Restaurants
• Outdoor dining activities is allowed at 50 percent of capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining 6 feet of distance, though additional seating will be allowed provided it follows Public Health – Seattle & King County’s best practices. Restaurants will also need to go through the normal process within their city – or King County if the establishment is located within unincorporated King County – to seek approval to expand outdoor seating.
• Indoor dining services may operate at 25 percent of capacity, provided such tables and chairs are more than 6 feet away from each other.

In-store retail
• All non-essential retail activities may operate but an establishment’s occupancy may not be not be higher than 15 percent of capacity.
• Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.
• Essential retail activities may continue to operate according to the existing state regulations.

Personal services: Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools
• All activities may operate but the number of clients served will be limited to no more than 25 percent of capacity or one person if it is a single bed/chair studio.

Professional services: Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, information technologists, insurance agents, tax preparers, and other office-based occupations that are typically serving a client base
• All activities allowed but an establishment’s occupancy should not be higher than 25 percent of capacity.
• Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to be less than 30 minutes, with face to face interactions limited to 30 minutes.

Construction
• All construction, including those activities for which social distancing may not be maintained and the start of new construction projects, is authorized to resume.

As we’ve done throughout the virus crisis, we’ll be publishing business updates as we get them – please let us know!

11:59 AM: Here’s the state Health Department announcement that King and 13 other counties are advancing. Meantime, everything King County requested is here.

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PROTEST: ‘White Coats for Black Lives’ outside Providence Mount St. Vincent & Swedish West Seattle
June 5, 2020 10:39 am
|    Comments Off on PROTEST: ‘White Coats for Black Lives’ outside Providence Mount St. Vincent & Swedish West Seattle
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(WSB photos)

10:39 AM: Brief but big – enough people to line the block outside Providence Mount St. Vincent joined in “White Coats for Black Lives” less than an hour ago, organized “to raise awareness of racial inequality and police brutality.”

(added) Reader video:

This is the first of several local demonstrations planned today and tomorrow – if you know of any not on our list, please let us know.

ADDED 6:35 PM: Caregivers and providers also participated outside Swedish West Seattle Primary Care:

Thanks to Stephanie Vogtzinn for those photos.

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WEST SEATTLE BEACHES: Low-low tides today through Monday
June 5, 2020 8:55 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, low-low tide last month)

Today is the first of four days that’ll bring very low tides (we like to call them “low-low tides”) to local shores – -3.0 feet at 11:14 am today, -3.4 at 11:56 am Saturday, -3.2 at 12:39 pm Sunday, and -2.8 at 1:23 pm Monday. If you go to the beach, tread lightly – the low-low tide leaves many creatures vulnerable. Best way to admire is from a distance – you can walk Alki and marvel at how far out the water recedes, for example.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday notes; 11th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
June 5, 2020 6:03 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning – the 74th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. As usual, we start by checking the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:

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 – Check the Twitter feed for any breaking service changes. Otherwise – still on the reduced schedule and reduced capacity; check here for next departure

Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues

Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know – comment or text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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UPDATE: Fire on Harbor Avenue SW
June 5, 2020 1:40 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: Photo posted in comments, by Elizabeth)

1:40 AM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is headed to the 2400 block of Harbor Avenue SW for a possible fire in a business. Updates to come.

1:43 AM: First unit arriving reports “fully involved structure.” They’re closing Harbor.

1:46 AM: The address on the SFD log is not correct (yet) – the burning building is now described as appearing to be “derelict,” a small old house.

1:49 AM: One person is reported to have been inside when the fire started but is said to be unhurt.

2:12 AM: A witness who called it in says the building is on the water side.

2:37 AM: The fire is “knocked down,” says SFD. Some units are leaving.

ADDED 12:33 PM: We went by for that photo of the fire scene. SFD has since corrected the address to 2316 Harbor and tells us the cause was ruled accidental. County records show this is part of a site that sold to an investment entity for $3.5 million last November; a self-storage proposal has been working its way through the city permit system since last year.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white van
June 4, 2020 11:54 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Steve:

Someone stole my work van near 35th and SW Cambridge.

License C99091A, Chevrolet Express 2500.

White work/passenger van with audio equipment.

Resembles pic with some peeled paint.

SPD case 2020-181471

Call 911 if you see it.

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CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 6/4 roundup
June 4, 2020 9:59 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

We’re on Phase Watch … no announcement yet. Here are tonight’s headlines:

GOVERNOR URGES PATIENCE: This afternoon, Gov. Inslee acknowledged about a dozen counties – including ours – are waiting anxiously for word on their requests to move to the next phase. He said the reviews take time to be sure they’re getting it right, so “Safe Start” lives up to its name. No word on how MUCH time, though.

SYMPTOMS? GET TESTED! The main point of the governor’s briefing today was a new testing strategy – if you have symptoms, or were exposed to someone who has COVID-19, get tested ASAP, and isolate until and unless you get a negative test result.

NEED A TEST? Tomorrow’s the next weekly drive-up/walk-up testing day at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) north lot, 10 am-3 pm.

IF THAT DOESN’T WORK FOR YOU … the city just announced it will launch two free drive-up testing sites, including the former auto-emission-testing site in SODO.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard (which has some new data categories – tests and hospitalizations):

*8,333 people with positive tests, 56 more than yesterday

*564 people have died, 2 more than yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,931 and 549.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.

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

ONE MORE SET OF NUMBERS: Providence Mount St. Vincent reports that one more resident has died – 7 in all. But The Mount has hopeful news too – no new positive tests in 4+ weeks.

NEED FOOD? Reminder – you can go to Food Lifeline 2-5 pm tomorrow to get some.

REDUCED SCHEDULE TFN: Washington State Ferries, one of many transportation services that reduced schedules because of the virus crisis, says it’ll keep its current schedule TFN.

GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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Here’s why a helicopter will be landing at two local playfields next week
June 4, 2020 8:49 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

It’ll be an unusual sight at Alki Playfield (above) and Walt Hundley Playfield during four afternoons next week when a helicopter lands for an emergency drill. The Seattle Fire Department has notified people near both fields about the plan, and one resident let us know about it – we’ve subsequently obtained from SFD the letter they are circulating:

The Seattle Fire Department is partnering with Airlift NW and Seattle Parks to provide airlift transport of patients during the West Seattle Bridge closure under extreme circumstances. This is occurring in response to the anticipated traffic impacts during peak travel times, which could delay SFD’s ability to provide transport via the typical method of a medic unit for critical patients. The frequency of helicopter transports is expected to be very low (only a few times per year, if any) but is an added capability of the fire department to serve West Seattle residents. Additionally, as previously announced, the department is dedicating an extra medic unit (Medic 26) and ladder truck (Ladder 13) during the bridge closure.

To prepare for this added helicopter capability, the department is holding a drill at the Alki and Walt Hundley Playfields in early June. From 2-3 p.m. at the below dates and locations, neighbors in the area will hear and see a helicopter land at the playfield, and firefighters simulate a patient transport hand-off.

• June 8: Alki Playfield – 5817 SW Lander St.
• June 9: Walt Hundley Playfield – 6920 34th Ave. SW
• June 10: Alki Playfield – 5817 SW Lander St.
• June 11: Walt Hundley Playfield – 6920 34th Ave. SW

The site will be secured by Seattle Fire and Police personnel. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, the fire department encourages residents to not gather at the site, but instead watch the activities from the livestream on Facebook on the first day of the drill June 8, or from your doorstep.

As we reported earlier this week, the added SFD units mentioned above are now on duty. Meantime, SFD tells us they’ll have more to say about the helicopter drill plan tomorrow.

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PROTESTS: What’s ahead in West Seattle Friday, Saturday, Monday; sign-making too
June 4, 2020 6:15 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(Added 7:32 pm: Streetcorner demonstration we happened onto in The Junction)

After (update) 4 peaceful demonstrations in the past five days in West Seattle, here’s an update on what’s ahead:

FRIDAY

White Coats for Black Lives – 10 am outside Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW), community invited:

We are inviting the broader community of West Seattle to join health care workers at Providence Mount St. Vincent Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. along 35th as we join others across the country in “White Coats 4 Black Lives” demonstrations to raise awareness of racial inequality and police brutality.

We will be kneeling on 35th in front of The Mount for ten minutes and invite anyone who is interested to join us, especially health care workers. Participants are asked to wear masks, bring signs and honor social distancing.

Sign-making – 2-6 pm, a student-organized sign-making event is planned at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), for use in upcoming demonstrators. All welcome. Materials provided. Face-coverings and distancing urged.

Demonstration – 4 pm, Hate-Free Delridge will again gather at 16th/Holden. This time they’re inviting anyone interested in participating:

Our Wednesday Hate-Free Delridge protest was a joyful horn-honking caucophony of a success. Come join us again –bring your bodies and voices and signs to a peaceful demonstration.

This Friday (June 5)
4 to 6 pm
At 16th Ave. SW and SW Holden St.
(Because of the bridge closure, most of the traffic comes through this intersection.)

Hate-Free Delridge will insist on at least 6-foot social distancing and masks.

The institutionalized hunting and killing of Black and Brown men and women must stop. Hate Free Delridge wants to help accelerate institutional change. We will have some banners and signs. We encourage you to bring your own.

Demonstration – 4 pm, 8th/Roxbury – organizers say, “Please bring signs, masks, water, gloves, and your voice!”

(added) Demonstration – 5 pm, Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden)

SATURDAY

(added) Peace Peloton bicycle ride – gather at Alki at noon “to ride and show our support for equality and justice. We will be observing social distancing guidelines during this event. The ride is approximately 10-15 miles (depending on weather) starting from Alki Beach Park and culminating at the Northwest African American Museum.” See flyer here.

(added) Demonstration/March – ~12:30 pm, gather at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction (6413 California SW) to walk to join in the 2 pm Junction protest

Demonstration/March – ~12:30 pm, gather at California/College in The Admiral District, walking south to join with the 2 pm Junction protest

Demonstration – 2 pm, student-organized, all welcome, at California/Alaska in The Junction.

Anything to add? Please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

ADDED 12:50 PM FRIDAY: We’ve also received word of a student-organized/led demonstration at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) at noon Monday (June 8th).

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FOLLOWUP: The latest on COVID-19 at Providence Mount St. Vincent
June 4, 2020 4:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

We’ve reported previously on COVID-19 cases and deaths at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. Today we have an update from The Mount’s Molly Swain:

We are grateful to share that it has been more than 4 weeks since we have had a positive case test result of COVID-19 here at The Mount. As of Monday, June 1st, we do not have any positive COVID-19 cases among residents or patients.

We are very sad to share, however, that one additional resident has passed away, for a total of 7.

There are still 8 caregivers who are positive and are recovering at home.

The Mount (4831 35th SW) is West Seattle’s largest long-term-care/assisted-living facility, with other programs on site including the Intergenerational Learning Center.

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UPDATE: Governor’s COVID-19 update; no decision yet on King County ‘modified Phase 1’ application
June 4, 2020 3:04 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

3:04 PM: In Olympia, Gov. Inslee is presenting a briefing, expected to be mostly about COVID-19 testing. We’re carrying it live since King County’s “modified Phase 1” state=approval request is pending – approval this quickly is not likely, but anything’s possible. Notes as this goes.

State Health Secretary John Wiesman is with the governor. Inslee says, “Our testing capacity has grown – we have now done more than 350,000 tests in our state.” He says he’s announcing “a significant broadening of our testing strategy” – the message is now, “If you think you’re sick, get tested.” That’s a big change from the early going, when some people with possible symptoms couldn’t get tested at all. He’s also urging people to get tested if a household member is suspected of having COVID-19, or had come into contact with someone who has it. Then – “stay home until you have a negative test.” He says science now shows much transmission happens before someone has symptoms. And he urges health-care providers to help patients get those tests.

3:15 PM: Secretary Wiesman elaborates – ideally, you’ll get tested within 24 hours of developing symptoms. The state insurance commissioner’s order waiving co-pays for COVID-19 tests will be extended at least through July 3rd.

The governor moves on to talk about ongoing county applications to move ahead in reopening phases, but hasn’t mentioned King County, except to say that “some modified Phase 1 applications are now in review.” He does urge everyone to “not lose intense focus” on the virus itself – wear your face covering, keep distancing, keep washing your hands, etc.

3:31 PM: In Q&A, it’s noted that some states have urged anybody who participates in the ongoing large protests to get tested, but ours is not. Wiesman acknowledged that but said they ARE urging high-risk people to stay home, and all others to take precautions – wear your face covering, take hand sanitizer, etc.

A reporter from Snohomish County noted that its modified-Phase-1 application was sent in Monday and no decision yet. The secretary says “a team of 9” is reviewing applications right now and has about a dozen, including some counties seeking to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3. “We know people are anxious to get their answers; we’re moving as quickly as we can, and we want to be thorough,” Wiesman said. The governor, asked something similar later, said, “The reason these can’t happen in nanoseconds is that we’re not a rubber stamp” and want to be sure the pandemic doesn’t make a comeback. “I don’t want to diminish the importance of doing this right.”

The briefing wraps up at 3:57 pm. The video window above should display the archived recording soon.

P.S. The mayor has a briefing at 5:15 pm about new testing availability, in a partnership with UW Medicine (which is doing weekly testing on Fridays here in West Seattle).

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Washington State Ferries to remain on reduced schedule TFN
June 4, 2020 2:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Washington State Ferries to remain on reduced schedule TFN
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from Washington State Ferries:

Until further notice, all state ferries will operate on their current reduced schedules with the option for phased service changes based on the COVID-19 recovery and several other factors.

Any changes in service to Washington State Ferries’ current COVID Response Service Plan will be based on four metrics, all of which will be considered before any modifications are made on any route:

· Ridership – Recent system-wide numbers remain down more than 60% compared to this time last year.

· Crew availability – More than 150 crewmembers are either people who are at higher risk for severe illness or unavailable due to the pandemic.

· Vessel availability – There is a lack of boats available for service due to the maintenance shutdown earlier this year, combined with a continued reduction of U.S. Coast Guard inspection capacity.

· Funding – Washington State Department of Transportation is currently losing millions in revenue from the gas tax, state ferry farebox recovery, etc.

“Given the constraints associated with our four pillars of service, we unfortunately cannot increase our number of sailings based on ridership alone,” said Amy Scarton, head of WSF. “As we enter what is normally our peak season, our priority as always is to provide service based on the safety of our passengers and crews.”

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READER REPORTS: Luring attempt; bike missing
June 4, 2020 2:20 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two reader reports this afternoon. First, from H:

At 5:27 am today, 6/4/2020 while waiting at the bus stop for the C line going Downtown, at the Morgan junction /California and Fauntleroy, a man in his mid to late 30’s, wearing a bright white jacket, fairly dark skin, was attempting to lure me into his car. The man was driving a Toyota Prius in dark metallic Gray.

This man pulled over by entrance of the Cal-Mor Circle apartments, and from there he started asking how I was doing, what my name was, and if I needed a ride. I said I didn’t need a ride, and he immediately followed up with “when is your bus coming?” I told him he needed to go right now. Fortunately, my bus was in fact coming, and he started driving away slowly, N bound on California Ave.

I got on the bus and I noticed he had turned around, and was now slowly driving south on California Ave. looking for me, perhaps thinking I was still waiting at the stop. I was able to snap a few pictures of the car, but wasn’t able to get the plate because I was very nervous. I’ve attached the picture from when I got on the bus.

The SPD incident # is 2020-181096.

MISSING BICYCLE: Likely stolen. From Nicole: “”Our bike went missing from our street last night (Wednesday night). It is a Diamondback Line 24″ in blue, which is a larger size kids’ mountain bike. The bike went missing in south Arbor Heights, near the Arroyos. If anyone has seen this bike or has information about it, please comment on this post. Much appreciated!”

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