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Spotlight Stories

FOLLOWUP: Longfellow Creek death investigated as hit-run homicide
August 25, 2020 12:12 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo, Monday night: Evidence markers placed during investigation)

We first told you last night about an investigation near Longfellow Creek after a man was found dead. Today, we followed up with police, and they’ve just released this update:

SPD Homicide and Traffic Collision investigators were called to West Seattle Monday evening after a 34-year-old man was struck and killed by a driver.

Around 6 pm, a resident in the 6500 block of 25th Avenue Southwest called 911 and reported a possibly deceased person in some bushes on the street. Police arrived, located the 34-year-old man, confirmed he was deceased, and contacted witnesses in the area.

At this point in the investigation, detectives believe the driver intentionally struck the victim, killing him. The driver then fled the scene.

If you have any information about this incident, please call 206-233-5000.

This happened near where 24th/25th meet, west of Delridge Way – here’s a map.

ADDED 12:30 PM: The not-yet-publicly-identified man is West Seattle’s second homicide victim of the year (not counting the suitcase-bodies victims, who were killed in Burien); the first was 41-year-old Jana Layman, whose roommate is awaiting trial in her January murder.

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LAST CHANCE: Final feedback opportunity for Reconnect West Seattle projects
August 25, 2020 10:57 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

That’s the top 10 list of community-prioritized traffic-easing projects for Highland Park, Riverview, South Delridge, and Roxhill, emerging from the Reconnect West Seattle survey process. As mentioned at last week’s West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meeting (WSB coverage here), you have one last chance to speak up if you have a comment or concern about the list, and tomorrow is the deadline for that. SDOT says two of the “priority” projects are already done – #3 and #4, left-turn pockets and signal changes at 16th/Holden – and another is in progress – #9, signal changes at Delridge/Orchard. The others are set to “advance to project development,” except for #2, road repairs, planned for “implementation” by year’s end. (For reference, here’s the original list that went out for prioritization.) If you have feedback on those – or the South Park, Georgetown, SODO, freight, bicycle project lists linked here – WestSeattleBridge@seattle.gov or 206-400-7511, by day’s end tomorrow (Wednesday, August 26th).

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TODAY: 3 Tuesday notes
August 25, 2020 8:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent sunset, photographed by Marc Milrod)

Three notes for your Tuesday:

LIBRARY EXPANDS CURBSIDE SERVICE: Noon-6 pm, the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library (3411 SW Raymond) offers curbside service – and starting this week, you can place new holds on up to 25 items. Here’s how it works.

STREETCORNER DEMONSTRATION: As announced:

Black Lives Matter sign waving

Tuesday Aug 25th, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden

Thursday, Aug 27th, 4 to 6 pm, 16th and Holden

Come show support for BLM and ending systemic racism. Hold signs, meet
neighbors and stand for racial justice. Scott at PR Cohousing, endorsed
by Hate Free Delridge. Signs available.

THEATER TICKETS: Starting today, ArtsWest is offering tickets to “Temporary Occupancy,” described as “a digital immersive performance piece that explores isolation during a time of isolation – inventing new modes of performance in the process.” Go here to find out more about it and to get tickets.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Tuesday watch, 23rd week of West Seattle Bridge closure
August 25, 2020 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Tuesday watch, 23rd week of West Seattle Bridge closure
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: It’s Tuesday, the 155th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*Major work continues along Delridge Way for the RapidRide H Line prep project, and part of south Delridge Way will be closed this weekend (August 29-30) – here’s the newest bulletin detailing where crews are working this week and how that affects traffic/access.

*Reminder: More pavement repair is expected to close part of 44th SW between Edmunds and Alaska again this weekend.

CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) 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). Here’s that camera:

Going through South Park? Don’t speed.

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 – No recent changes – still reduced service and distancing – details here.

Water Taxi – Still on its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles running – see the schedule here.

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Monday 8/24 roundup
August 24, 2020 9:40 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here are tonight’s pandemic-related toplines:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s today’s daily summary from Public Health – the cumulative totals:

*18,824 people have tested positive, 146 more than yesterday’s total

*711 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total

*2,182 people have been hospitalized, 27 more than yesterday’s total

*343,578 people have been tested, 4,384 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 17,824/691/2,109/322,766.

ANOTHER AREA DEATH: 98146, part of which is in south West Seattle, just recorded its 12th death. For the record, here are the current totals for the other four zip codes that are all or partly within West Seattle:

98116 – 2
98136 – 3
98106 – 4
98126 – 14

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

FREE MASKS: Now available at Safeways around King County.

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY EXPANDS SERVICE: The pandemic is still keeping branches closed to the general public, but as of today, you can place new holds on material for curbside pickup at SPL branches where that’s offered. In West Seattle, that’s the High Point branch (3411 SW Raymond), noon-6 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – more info here.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ MEAL-DELIVERY CHANGE: Weekday meal delivery via school bus is down to just one route in West Seattle.

SURVEY: What do you think about pandemic-era online recreation programming? Seattle Parks wants to know.

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

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Police investigating after body found near Longfellow Creek
August 24, 2020 7:32 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found near 24th/25th SW [map], by Longfellow Creek. We just went to the scene after a tip from a neighbor (thank you) about a big police response.

SPD at the scene included Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman, who told WSB that this all started with an investigation after a report of a hit-run crash in the area earlier today; near some debris left behind, the body was found. Capt. Grossman said they don’t know yet if the hit-run and death are connected; detectives are at the scene to see what they can find.

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UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ north of The Junction, quickly downsized
August 24, 2020 6:49 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ north of The Junction, quickly downsized
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:49 PM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is on the way to the 4100 block of 47th SW. First crews arriving aren’t seeing anything yet. Updates to come.

6:53 PM: Small kitchen fire, aka “food on the stove.” Response is being downsized.

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ELECTION 2020: West Seattle gets another ballot dropbox
August 24, 2020 6:03 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

With the general election a little more than two months away, West Seattle now has a third ballot dropbox, at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge. We got a tip about it this afternoon (thank you!) and went over for a photo. King County Elections installed it on Friday, in front of the administration building. This is not a reaction to the current concern about the US Postal Service‘s ability to handle ballots, though – we’re told it’s been in the works a long time; our tipster texted that it’s the “culmination of years of work by student, staff, and faculty.” KC Elections spokesperson Halei Watkins tells WSB it’s the 70th dropbox in the county: “The campus was very welcoming and enthusiastic about finding the best spot for it, and we’re thrilled to now have a dropbox on all Seattle Community College campuses.” No other new ones are planned right now, Watkins adds, but, “We are looking at some other ballot drop=off options, particularly to serve more rural communities around the county.” Before there were fixed dropboxes, you might recall, there were temporary sites with vans.

The new box joins West Seattle’s pre-existing ones at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) and in The Junction (south side of SW Alaska between California and 44th). The dropboxes officially “open” after ballots are mailed out, which is scheduled to happen October 14th, and they close at 8 pm sharp Election Night (November 3rd).

P.S. SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson tells us the college’s gates will reopen in mid-September, so the box will be easily accessible to voters in time for the election.

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FOLLOWUP: Suitcase-bodies suspect charged with murder; second disposal site revealed
August 24, 2020 3:49 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, June 19)

62-year-old Michael L. Dudley of Burien is now charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the June shooting deaths of 35-year-old Jessica Lewis and 27-year-old Austin Wenner, whose bodies were found in suitcases. The originally reported discovery near Luna/Anchor Park was not the only disposal site, prosecutors say. As reported here last week, police arrested Dudley Wednesday; probable-cause documents said he had been renting a room to the victims and arguing with them over payment of the $1500/month rent. The newly filed charging documents say:

While the precise motive for this crime is not yet fully known, the evidence to date shows that the defendant was angry with the victims for not paying rent and for bringing potential criminal activity to the Ambaum home. The defendant, likely with the aid of others, dismembered the two victims after he killed them, separated their bodies into multiple bags and suitcases and tried to hide them in different bodies of water. This process would have taken a lot of time and effort and his willingness to take these extreme steps demonstrates the threat he poses to the community.

The other “body of water” in which more of the victims’ remains were found is explained later as “near 10000 West Marginal Pl, near the Seattle City Light power substation on the Duwamish River,” a discovery reported to the King County Sheriff’s Office, which subsequently contacted SPD. The Medical Examiner said both victims had been beaten as well as shot.

10 days after the discovery in West Seattle, the charging documents say, family members of the victims told police they had been staying with Dudley since last December. Investigators talked to a variety of other people in piecing together circumstances leading to the murder allegation. Regarding the aforementioned “potential criminal activity,” the court documents say Wenner had been attacked at the Burien house by men with whom he had been having some kind of dispute.

The court document notes that Dudley’s criminal history includes a felony drug conviction from Thurston County in 1996 and convictions in California for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle (1994), Taking a Vehicle for Temporary Use (1995), and Vehicle Theft (1996), plus an Oregon conviction for DUI (1977). As we reported last week, he was charged more recently with misdemeanor domestic-violence assault for allegedly attacking a woman he had been dating. He remains jailed in lieu of $5 million bail. (added) He’s scheduled for arraignment September 8th.

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NEED MASKS? Here’s where to get them free
August 24, 2020 2:54 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Just announced by the King County Executive’s Office:

Customers at King County locations of Safeway will be able to take home free face masks with their groceries starting today with a new partnership between King County, Safeway, and UFCW Local 21. …

King County purchased more than 25 million face masks for county residents, and to date has distributed more than 14 million reusable and disposable masks through direct distribution and partnerships with local chambers of commerce and other community organizations. …

Starting today, customers at any of the 59 Safeway locations in King County can obtain two free reusable masks per person in their household, for up to 12 masks total, while at the checkstand. Disposable masks will also be available for customers who may have forgotten or misplaced their masks at all stores. All told Safeway will help distribute 750,000 face masks provided by King County.

Safeway stores in our area are at 28th/Roxbury, 42nd/Edmunds (Jefferson Square), and 2622 California SW.

P.S. In case you wondered too – we checked: No purchase required.

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All-volunteer Seattle Emergency Communications Hub Network has a first-ever request
August 24, 2020 2:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Preparedness | West Seattle news

For more than a decade, we’ve been reporting on West Seattle’s Emergency Communications Hubs – community-powered operations that, if we’re lucky, we’ll never need – places you would go in case of major catastrophe, if regular communication channels were disrupted. West Seattle was a leader in hub creation, and it’s now a citywide program. Right now that program is crowdfunding for the first time to cover its fairly nominal operation costs. Longtime local preparedness leader Cindi Barker sent the announcement:

The Seattle Emergency Communications Hub Network is an ALL-VOLUNTEER force dedicated to helping Seattle communities prepare for a disaster. We work closely with City of Seattle officials, are incorporated into the response plan, but choose to remain independent of formal city control. This allows us to remain nimble and respond to our communities as the unique entities that they are. Currently, we have nearly 60 Emergency Communication Hubs throughout Seattle where trained neighbors will gather to help organize and support their communities after a large disaster.

We continue to focus on skill training and education of our existing hubs and we are determined to increase our outreach to communities of color, to non-English speakers, and to those with accessibility or economic challenges. This has been an exciting time as we navigate new paths and learn how to reach out to all communities with sensitivity. More on that in the near future but for now, we are turning to the community for support.

Hub Volunteers have shouldered our operating expenses for fourteen years. For the first time ever, we are asking our supporters to cover our expenses for the next two years as we migrate to a more sustainable business model. It isn’t a large amount – $5,500. Our network costs include website maintenance, videoconferencing capabilities, translation services to engage more Seattle residents, and multi-language printed materials such as how-to manuals, outreach materials, essential forms, and self-help posters.

If you can donate – here’s where to do it. And even if you can’t – check out the West Seattle hub map above (as well as more resources here) and be sure your family and neighbors all know about your nearest hub!

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HELPING: Monday morning Alki Beach community cleanups launched
August 24, 2020 12:52 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

The photo is from Mandi, who announced two weeks ago that she was organizing weekly post-weekend community cleanups at Alki Beach, and welcoming assistance. Today was the second cleanup, she reports. “We are getting lots of support and interest. My goal is to start with cleanup and see what else we can do to keep Alki Beach beautiful.” Interested in helping? You can join Mandi at 9 am Mondays – email her at mandikhall@gmail.com.

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NEED FOOD? Seattle Public Schools student-meal program changes
August 24, 2020 11:14 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Throughout the summer, Seattle Public Schools has continued to offer student meals for pickup at some local campuses and for delivery via some school-bus routes. Starting today, the district has cut back on the bus deliveries. Now there’s just one bus route in West Seattle for meal delivery – this one. The 11 am-1 pm weekday pickups availability continues at West Seattle Elementary, Denny International Middle School, Chief Sealth International and West Seattle High Schools. The district says it’s working to add more sites soon – the meals are available at 26 schools around the city now, and they’re hoping to expand to 40.

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WEST SEATTLE WHALE-WATCHING: Humpback in our area
August 24, 2020 9:37 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks for the tips! A humpback whale is in our area this morning, in Elliott Bay off Luna/Anchor Park. Kersti Muul says it’s traveling southwestward. If you haven’t seen one before. here’s the species-ID page on The Whale Trail‘s website.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Monday watch, 23rd week of West Seattle Bridge closure
August 24, 2020 6:12 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Monday watch, 23rd week of West Seattle Bridge closure
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:12 AM: It’s Monday, the 154th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*Major work continues along Delridge Way for the RapidRide H Line prep project, and part of south Delridge Way will be closed next weekend – here’s the newest bulletin detailing where crews are working this week and how that affects traffic/access.

*Reminder: More pavement repair is expected to close part of 44th SW between Edmunds and Alaska again next weekend.

CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) 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). Here’s that camera:

Going through South Park? Don’t speed.

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 – No recent changes – still reduced service and distancing – details here.

Water Taxi – Still on its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles running – see the schedule here.

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

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE NOW: Coalition implores mayor to get it fixed fast
August 23, 2020 9:58 pm
|      70 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tonight marks exactly five months since the city closed the West Seattle Bridge out of safety concerns, with just a few hours’ public notice.

Stabilization work is now under way. But SDOT says it won’t decide until October whether to pursue a course focused on repair now/replace later or replace ASAP.

The advocacy coalition West Seattle Bridge NOW thinks SDOT should just get on with fixing the bridge, since the agency has already said all indications are that it would be possible, and that the decision mostly hinges on whether repairs are feasible. And the group has sent Mayor Jenny Durkan a letter.

Read More

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CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 8/23 roundup
August 23, 2020 8:37 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 8/23 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here what’s new as the virus crisis continues:

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

*18,678 people have tested positive, up 108 from yesterday’s total

*708 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total

*2,155 people have been hospitalized, up 5 from yesterday’s total

*339,194 people have been tested, up 797 from yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 17,643/687/2,096/319,046.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 23.3 million cases and more than 807,000 deaths – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here.

NEW WEST SEATTLE TESTING SITE OPENS THIS WEEK: As announced by the mayor back on Thursday, Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) will become a new COVID-19 testing site. Starting Wednesday, this page should give you the opportunity to make an appointment for Friday or beyond.

FIVE MONTHS AGO: Looking back to March 23rd – it was the night the governor announced the stay-home order. (Also the night the West Seattle Bridge shut down – but that’s the topic of tonight’s NEXT story.)

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

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NEIGHBORHOOD INSPIRATION: Sowing security and serenity at Puget Ridge Edible Park
August 23, 2020 5:26 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Among the pandemic’s side effects: A growing interest in food security, resulting in more vegetable gardens and fruit trees.

West Seattle’s Puget Ridge neighborhood is years ahead of the trend.

The 2/3-acre city-owned, community-tended mini-farm at 18th and Brandon known as Puget Ridge Edible Park (PREP) is in its fourth season, and feeding even neighbors who haven’t been participating in growing crops.

One way is through a monthly free “farm stand” for neighbors. We visited PREP during this month’s farm stand, which drew visitors even though it was happening in the heart of last Sunday’s upper-90s heat. Whlle some volunteers helped neighbors fill bags and baskets with fresh vegetables including squash, beets, chard, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, as well as bundles of herbs, others worked the land.

Longtime sustainability advocate Stu Hennessey led a community contingent shepherding the site from dream to reality, promising the Parks Levy Oversight Committee in 2010, as they considered funding the site purchase, “We will be producing a lot of food on this land.” And so they are, six years after site development began with demolition of an old house.

(L-R, Stu, Helen, Rudy, Joy, Chris, Kerry)

Stu says they changed the operational plan this year – instead of a monthly work party, they amassed a core group of volunteers who work on the site more frequently. It’s not just one big garden like, for example, the High Point Market Garden, but it’s instead split into sections, including a “giving garden” and a “food forest,” with fruit trees including apples and plums.

For the future, there are hopes of an “edible playground” where kids can dig and learn as well as play. And Stu says PREP nourishes in another way: “This park has become a special place for many to escape the daily concerns brought on by current events.”

They’ve made the most of the land that’s being used on the site. Near the farm stand, one patch held sunflowers towering over beans and lettuce. And though the site is a city park, “We don’t go to Parks for anything,” Stu says proudly – the volunteers manage it all, with some donations and purchases (piles of wood chips, for example). They’ve also raised some funds through SeedMoney.org.

The community synergy goes beyond offering free produce to neighbors; they plan to support the Delridge Grocery Co-op when its store is up and running. More broadly, they hope to inspire other neighborhoods. Even if you don’t have an entire parcel to farm, there are other creative ways and places to grow food.

This year’s growing season at PREP, meantime, is expected to stretch at least into October, Stu says. Maybe beyond, if they get some winter crops going. There’s still space left, and there’s room for more neighbors to get involved – if you’re interested, you con contact Stu via email, alkistu@hotmail.com.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 3 reader reports
August 23, 2020 3:27 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

VANDALISM/THREAT: An Alki resident says someone threw a baseball rock through her window around 11:30 pm Thursday night, with a threatening note, addressing her by name, wishing her children harm, and using a misogynistic slur. Police report is 2020-245673.

ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT: The thefts continue. Just got a note from Jason in the 4100 block of 54th SW:

At approximately 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, 8/23/2020, a catalytic converter was stolen off my Toyota Prius parked on the street. Neighbors who heard a scraping sound woke up to investigate saw a white van with a roof ladder rack and one ladder attached drive south on 54th Ave SW with its lights off. A police report has been filed.

CAR PROWL: From James:

Last night, 10:15 pm. 100th Street right up from 35th Ave. We’ve been hit several times by prowlers (I assume same person, because there was a brazenness to his behavior this time. He’s taken kids’ bikes, jackets, and anything else he can take.)

This time he got my wallet from my car. I saw him walking into the driveway and by the time I walked out he was already walking away saying, ‘I was looking for a friend, I didn’t do nothing wrong’ and then he walked quickly away from me west on 100th. At that point I didn’t know if he was armed and I didn’t realize I had left my wallet in the car so I just let him walk away (he gave off a creepy vibe).

He had a dark hood on, a face mask, and very difficult to see any identifying features. Police report being filled out. They didn’t send anyone by. I just wanted to let you guys know so our neighbors can be aware and take precautions.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: ‘Trump Baby’ balloon in The Junction
August 23, 2020 1:09 pm
|      104 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Texted photo)

Thanks for the tips and pics. This inflatable caricature of the President just might be the biggest political prop to appear in The Junction since the giant toilet that one group brought some years back. Local real-estate agent Christian Castro tells WSB he just bought the “Trump Baby” balloon and plans to tour it around West Seattle between now and Election Day, to remind people to vote. Today he’s on the KeyBank corner in The Junction and says he’s planning to be there until the nearby Farmers’ Market wraps up at 2 pm, and will be back next week.

(WSB photo)

The first “Trump Baby” balloon sighting was in London two years ago, and others have turned up since then. Castro says it took some work to procure – he tracked it down by first finding the people who flew the one in London; they referred him to the balloon’s creator, who in turn pointed him to the manufacturer. He says he has an accessory on order – a sign with a QR code that’ll take you to a voter-registration page, which he notes is safer in these pandemic days than setting up a table with paper documents. (Registration info is here.)

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: USS Carl Vinson, headed to new homeport
August 23, 2020 10:57 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips, and to Gary Jones for the photo. That’s the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), headed out of Puget Sound after a year and a half of maintenance at Bremerton:

The Carl Vinson arrived in January 2019; now it’s switching homeports to San Diego.

(Added: Photo by Danny McMillin)

P.S. The Kitsap Sun reports that we won’t likely have another carrier sighting for a while – USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is out on deployment; the next carrier due for major work at Bremerton is USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), next year.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Local churches’ online services, and more
August 23, 2020 6:43 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Local churches’ online services, and more
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion | WS miscellaneous

(Seen on Elliott Bay Friday; photographed by Jim Borrow)

We start today’s preview with our weekly list of online church services:

ADMIRAL UCC: The worship service for today is here.

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

ALL SOULS SEATTLE (WSB sponsor): Online worship will be viewable here.

BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming for West Seattle here at 9:30 am.

CALVARY CHAPEL: Today’s service is here, plus 6 pm all-church prayer and 7 pm evening worship (info on home page, as well as word that in-person services have resumed too).

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS: West Seattle Ward has Sunday services via Zoom at 10 am, one hour long, all welcome. They last an hour. Here’s the link.

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

FAUNTLEROY UCC: Service will be streamed at 10 am on the church’s YouTube channel.

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

GRACE CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10:30 am.

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

HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Streaming Mass at 10:30 am here.

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

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 10 am, here. (In-person Saturday Masses have been added – registration required.)

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

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Viewable on YouTube: Sunday School and Sunday Services at the times below or anytime thereafter.

9:15 a.m. Kids Club — note new time!
10:00 a.m. Spiritual Formation for All Ages
10:15 a.m. Sunday Service. Click on this link for the bulletin
12:00 p.m. Sunday Grief and Gratitude Circle – In person. Meet in the Churchyard.

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

TRINITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10 am. (In-person services too.)

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

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

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

WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION: Livestreaming at 10:30 am – information on today’s service is here.

WESTWOOD CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: Online (and in-person) worship at 11 am; info here.

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

Also today/tonight:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska)

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

ALKI BEACH PRIDE: Day 2 features a skate/bike “rollout” from Statue of Liberty Plaza at 1 pm. (61st/Alki)

FREE TO-GO DINNER: White Center Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near the Bartell Drugs parking lot in White Center, SW Roxbury St. & 15th Ave. SW (9600 15th Ave SW)

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 8/22 roundup
August 22, 2020 11:00 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

A few virus-crisis notes on August’s second-to-last Saturday::

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

*18,570 people have tested positive, 152 more than yesterday

*708 people have died, unchanged from yesterday

*2,150 people have been hospitalized, 3 more than yesterday

*338,397 people have been tested, 1,808 more than yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 17.514/686/2,087/314,854.

WEST SEATTLE TREND: In case you missed this in the comment discussion last night – we’re going to start including this weekly. The numbers are accessible from the “geography over time” tab on the daily-summary dashboard, and checking the West Seattle and Delridge “health reporting areas.” In the past 2 weeks, 41 positive test results were reported; in the 2 weeks before that, 92; in the two weeks before that, 114.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 23.2 million people have tested positive, and more than 804,000 have died. Most cases: U.S., Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa – same as the past 4 weeks. See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

PANDEMIC POLLUTION REDUCTION: From the WSB inbox: A UW scientist led a study of how lockdown affected air pollution in China; this new report says the findings resembled what UW researchers found earlier in a look at major US cities including Seattle.

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

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