West Seattle, Washington
10 Wednesday
Haven’t lined up your Mother’s Day flowers yet? From the Lafayette Elementary PTA, another opportunity to buy them and help both the growers and students:
Treat the special someone in your life to a beautiful Mother’s Day flower bouquet from local farmer Chao Chang Gardens in Snohomish. In addition to helping a local flower grower, a portion of your purchase will support Lafeyette Elementary PTA. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school.
Your flower bouquets will be ready for pickup Saturday evening (May 9, 5-7 pm) thru Sunday morning (May 10, 8:30-9:30 am). Pick up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW, Seattle.
NO-CONTACT PICKUP. PLACE YOUR ORDER BY THURSDAY, MAY 7, 4:30 PM.
As we approach two months since the shutdown of schools, some are finding new ways for staff to show support for families, and vice versa. This week, two schools planned parades. First, Highland Park Elementary asked us to share the news of the one they’re having tomorrow night:
On Thursday May 7th at 5:30 the staff at HP will be coming around for a parade to see you and share joy and smiles. Not seeing you and your families for the last 6 weeks has been extremely difficult and we miss you so much. We will only be in the car and will ask that social distancing be respected but we can wave, shout, dance and celebrate how awesome we ALL are right from the car and the yard.
(Here’s the parade route) so you can plan to be in your yard, those of you out of the route area are welcome to drive and park somewhere so you can be a part! If you would like help figuring out where to park/sit so you and your family can be safe please contact Ms. S. We want to make sure EVERYONE can be a part whether you are on the route or not. We cannot wait to see you!
Meantime, Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School had a Teacher Appreciation Day parade on Tuesday afternoon, with staff standing outside the school and families driving past. We were about to photograph it when breaking news took us away, but Seth shared photos:
Anything cool going on related to your school in these most unusual times? Info/photos/tips always appreciated – westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302 – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Since a brief West Seattle Bridge update was on the agenda, we listened in on last night’s monthly meeting of the Levy to Move Seattle Oversight Committee.
That wasn’t the only item of interest, though – the meeting also touched on two curiosity-piquing potential future tools in the ongoing Vision Zero safety program, and an unsurprisingly dour budget update.
First, the bridge. While its emergency needs obviously aren’t part of the original plan for the levy that voters passed in 2015, which is what this all-volunteer advisory group monitors, SDOT put it on the group’s radar last month. So deputy director Lorelei Williams presented a short update last night.
10:58 AM: Thanks for the tip. Washington State Ferries has just confirmed there’s a problem at the Fauntleroy dock – the transfer span is currently “out of service,” with an electrician on the way. That means a scheduled departure is on hold, and the Cathlamet, which was on its way to land, is waiting offshore. Updates as we get them.
11:09 AM: Vessel Watch shows both ferries now headed to Vashon, and the WSF cam (screengrab above) shows vehicles waiting on the Fauntleroy dock are being turned around.
12:01 PM: The Fauntleroy dock is still out of service.
1:36 PM: WSF just announced that repairs are complete and service is resuming with the 1:40 pm Vashon departure to Fauntleroy.
Personal-care businesses are still one “phase” away from being able to resume services, but longtime WSB sponsor Illusions Hair Design has been having periodic “drive-through” retail events, and has another one coming up:
With the extended “stay-at-home”, and the date we can re-open the salon still some weeks away, (end of May, first part of June?), we are offering another special “DRIVE-THRU” for products event Saturday, May 9, from 12-2 pm!
This Saturday, we will be available to have you pick up retail/hair items you may need (based on availability). **CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY, no cash/checks. Simply email your product requests – contactillusionshairdesign@gmail.com – (if you’re unsure of what the item is called, we can look it up in your file here at the salon.) What do you need? Shampoo, conditioner, styling aid, umbrella, hat, scarf, etc…? We will call you on Friday to confirm your order(s), and give you a total for your items. When you arrive at the salon SATURDAY between 12-2 pm, we will have your bag of items ready. Simply call us from your car, we will take your credit card information at that time and process it. We will then print you a receipt (no signature required!), add it to your bag and we will run it all out to you! (Illusions DRIVE-THRU style!)
PLEASE UNDERSTAND: Our doors will remain locked, we will not be open to the public. You will not be allowed to come into the salon. ALL orders MUST be received via email, or you can leave us a message on our 24hr phone line. We will try to fulfill all of your requests on a first-come, first-served basis. (Many of our suppliers are not shipping, so we are limited to stock on hand.)
For a special “MOTHER’S DAY” treat, we are offering ANY ONE of our TIGI BOOSTERS for only $5 with ANY of your drive-thru purchase! ($14.95 value). These can be added to any conditioner to give your hair a BOOST of “Shine”, “Smooth”, or “Repair”. Just add it to your product request, and we will discount it at checkout.
ALL requests must be received by FRIDAY, MAY 8th by 2 pm.
FOR BEST SELECTION…GET YOUR ORDERS IN ASAP!
Don’t put your credit-card info in yoor email or phone message – they’ll take it by phone when you show up for pickup. 206-938-3675.
6:03 AM: 44th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you have to commute this morning – here are the cameras for the restricted-access low bridge (where SPD enforcement continues) and the 5-way intersection west of it:
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map). To get to I-5, exit onto Michigan at the bridge’s north end. Here are cameras for the bridge and Michigan east of it:
The South Park Bridge (map) can also take you across the river. Here’s the South Park camera:
Both bridges open for marine traffic; check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info.
TRANSIT
Metro – Reduced schedule; reduced capacity; check here for next departure
Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues
STREET REMINDERS
As of this week, West Seattle has two sets of “Stay Healthy Streets,” closed to through traffic (but open to residents and delivery drivers) 24/7. See the maps here (Puget Ridge/Highland Park) and here (High Point), and heed the “STREET CLOSED” signs.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map, with cameras
Our traffic-cams page
During the stay-home order, we’re not live-monitoring traffic, so please let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
(Added: Photo sent by Derek)
12:02 AM: What started as a fire-alarm call at Madison Middle School has been upgraded to a “full response.” Updates to come.
12:06 AM: Firefighters are describing this as a “dumpster fire” and dismissing some of the units.
12:11 AM: Fire is reported “tapped” (out); next job, to turn off the automatic sprinklers.
12:40 AM: The cause is under investigation. We’ll follow up with SFD and the district later today.
3:09 PM: From SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo: “Crews confirmed it was a dumpster fire next to the school building. The building’s sprinklers were able to contain the fire while our firefighters fully extinguished it. No injuries reported. Our fire investigators were not dispatched to this scene as they responded to another fire that occurred at the same time” (in North Seattle).
Phase 1 has begun, and now all eyes look toward what it’ll take to get to Phase 2. But first – the newest numbers top tonight’s roundup:
KING COUNTY’S DAILY UPDATE: From the countywide data dashboard:
*6,653 people have tested positive, up 71 from yesterday
*467 people have died, up 4 from yesterday
One week ago, the totals were 6,054 and 427.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES GROUPS: As Phase 1 of his Safe Start plan got off the ground, Gov. Inslee led a media briefing to introduce leaders of three advisory groups that’ll help get the state through all four phases. Video’s in our coverage; the groups’ members are listed here.
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST: As foreshadowed last week after big concrete blocks turned up in Lincoln Park‘s south lot, the city will make some parking spaces available for disabled parkgoers – more than a month after completely closing the park’s lot.
ALSO FROM SEATTLE PARKS – OFF-LEASH AREA REMINDERS: You and the pup both need to behave yourselves.
KING COUNTY PARKS REOPENING: This Friday, as announced today.
‘YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE’ ON HOLD: Among today’s city announcements – budget and personnel effects of the COVID-19 response have suspended this “participatory budgeting” program until next year.
WATER, SEWER, AND … MASKS: Seattle Public Utilities sent photos of an extra task its workers have been helping with:
Washington State water and wastewater utilities are getting tens of thousands of cloth masks from FEMA to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This critical personal protection equipment (PPE) is earmarked for front line staff at water systems across the state. More than 30,000 masks were sent to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for distribution to other utilities across the state.
GOT INFO? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
The West Seattle Bridge is on the District 1 Community Network‘s monthly agenda, tomorrow night at 7 pm, online – not an SDOT presentation, but rather a community discussion. D1CN is a coalition of community members from a variety of groups and organizations, but anyone from West Seattle or South Park is welcome. Here’s the agenda:
Introductions and Approval of Minutes 7:05
Announcements 7:15
WS Bridge (7:30 – 8:00)
*WS Bridge Update – WSTC, Deb Barker & Larry Wymer
*WS Bridge Alternative Routing – SPNA Aley Thompson
*WS Bridge Discussion – Brainstorming
West Seattle Bike Connections – Bob Winship (8:00 – 8:15)
Racial & Social Justice Tool Kit – Randy Wiger (8:15 – 8:30)
Call for New Proposals (8:30)
New projects or activities that we want to launch
You are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom or by phone (call 669-900-6833; meeting ID: 222 985 415; password: 625318).
(WSB photo taken earlier this spring at Click! Design That Fits, part of Thursday’s ‘spree’)
The next phase of in-person retail won’t be open in time for this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10th) but the West Seattle Junction Association has a shopping solution for you: A “Virtual Shopping Spree” this Thursday (May 7th). Every half hour, starting at 4 pm and continuing through 7:30 pm, The Junction will take you live to another local shop – eight in all. Plus, every shopper gets a chance to win a $150 gift card to each store – they’ll pick a random winner for each “spree” visit, from among those who comment either with an order or by saying “Pick me!” (You’ll be able to shop via Facebook or through the store’s Instagram Live page; the business will then contact you for delivery and payment.) See the schedule/lineup, and find the link to participate, by going here.
(Photo sent last week by Mindi)
As first reported here last Friday – after numerous WSB readers noticed those blocks in the south lot of Lincoln Park – the city is planning to reopen some parking spaces there and elsewhere for accessibility. Here’s the official announcement:
On Friday, May 8, Seattle Parks and Recreation will reopen limited accessible (ADA) parking at four major parks: Lincoln Park, Seward Park, Green Lake Park, and Magnuson Park.
In March, Seattle Parks and Recreation closed parking lots at the most popular parks in order to reduce usage of these parks. As the stay-at-home order has been extended, these parking lot closures are still in effect.
Accessible parking for people with Disabled Parking Permits will be made available at four parks, to provide access those who need parking to be able to access these parks:
*Lincoln Park — nine accessible parking spaces (four at lower beach lot, and five at the southern upper lot)
*Green Lake Park – eight accessible parking spaces at the Bathhouse Theater Lot
*Magnuson Park — ten accessible parking spaces (seven at the W6 play area lot, and three at the Off Leash Area)
*Seward Park — eight accessible parking spaces at the tennis court lotSeattle Parks and Recreation has started with these four lots as a way to give equitable access to these parks and hopes to add additional spaces at other closed lots if possible. General use parking is still prohibited at these sites.
All spots will be designated with “State Disabled Parking Permit Required” signs. No other parking is permitted in these lots, and violators will be ticketed. Lots are still closed to discourage crowding at our most popular parks, and community is encouraged to recreate closer to home.
3:40 PM: Gov. Inslee‘s first media briefing of the week has just begun, on the day that the first part of his four-phase reopening plan is under way. So what’s next? We’ll add notes as it goes.
“We still have a long way to go … but our recovery is moving forward,” he said, noting that guidance is being drafted for more businesses/activities to resume. He says he’s announcing “three advisory groups (with) a really diverse group of voices (to) help inform our decision-making.” He says each group will be a “forum” for his office to “consult with.” One is a health-care/health-systems group. Another will focus on “safe work and economic recovery.” And there’ll be a “social supports group” focusing on the need for food, shelter, etc.
3:48 PM: The governor introduces Jessyn Farrell, who will be a lead on the “safe work and economic recovery” group. She is a former state legislator who ran for Seattle mayor three years ago. She notes that some parts of the workforce were already “fragile” even pre-pandemic. She’s followed by other reps of the new groups, who each make a few remarks before giving the mic back to the governor – who is taking a two-minute break “to give one decision to someone.”
3:54 PM: He’s back and it’s reporter Q&A time. First one – has he decided on reconvening the Legislature to deal with the coming budget crisis? No decision yet but it’s likely, he says, to deal with an “enormous hole.”
Next, he’s asked about the lawsuit saying COVID-19 is no longer a crisis. He says that viewpoint is “biologically ignorant.” He says his decisions have been made “to preserve health, and life itself.”
How formal will the new advisory groups’ recommendations be? It’ll be “an organic process,” he says, later adding that the groups themselves will work out the best way to circulate/distribute them.
Next: What about the other activities/businesses listed for Phase 1 (landscaping, curbside retail, dog walking, etc.)? They’ll have “protocols” by week’s end, “just a few days,” the governor says.
4 PM: He’s asked about officials who are speaking out against the stay-home order. He says that if they saw “the tears” of the families who’ve lost loved ones, they might feel differently. He stresses that the “vast majority” of people “get this.” Asked about a potential second wave of COVID-19 infections, he says vigilance is vital. Also, he reiterates that the state is still short on supplies for testing, which is “absolutely vital” to moving on. He says they’re also hopeful that antibody testing will be usable soon but “it’s very important to realize that (they are no guarantee) of immunity.” He also says you can’t read a lot into the number of new positive tests, because as they test more people, they’re inevitably going to get more positive results, so there are other metrics they’re watching closely.
4:10 PM: The briefing is over; we’ll add any links that follow with details.
(Texted photo)
2:30 PM: A big Seattle Fire dispatch is arriving at the South Seattle College campus. It’s being described as “roofing materials on fire.” Updates to come.
2:37 PM: The fire is “knocked down,” crews on scene have radioed. The response is being downsized. We don’t yet know exactly what part of the campus this is happening at.
(WSB photo)
2:48 PM: The fire is mostly out but firefighters are dealing with some smoldering debris. This is in the automotive area of the college (which like other schools is currently closed to in-person instruction).
3:11 PM: Now the fire’s declared “tapped.” No word of injuries.
3:28 PM: Adding more photos. Meantime, we checked with SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson, who tells WSB, “From what we’ve gathered, the fire started with construction debris in the Automotive Technology construction zone. It sounds like that debris was at ground level, not on the roof.” More info later.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: SFD says the fire was “accidentally caused while construction crews were working at the site of a demolition and renovation project for the college. Estimated loss is $10,000.”
Even the few park-and-rides in West Seattle aren’t busy now – but that’ll eventually change. If you’re a park-and-ride user, here’s a survey you’re invited to take. It’s about whether it would be helpful to know how many spaces are available at your park-and-ride before you leave home.
Looking for a little good news? Yeah, us too. Here are a few notes about local businesses helping each other:
PPP GRATITUDE: Todd Ainsworth of Swedish Automotive is grateful to have found out last week that the business got a Paycheck Protection Program loan “and we wanted to thank Washington Federal – and Ryan Sales in particular – for their help and hard work to make it happen! We had our application submitted and were waiting when the funding ran out in the first round, but after the supplemental funding was approved, we were accepted early last week and we know that it was only possible in working with a local bank.” He notes that West Seattle Autoworks – which he co-founded – also got into the PPP through Washington Federal, working with Renee Vo.
LUNCH GRATITUDE: Cathy sent this note:
As an employee of PCC, I just wanted to mention the kindness of Craig Haveson of West Seattle business STS Construction, who purchased lunches from Husky Deli for the entire staff at PCC Community Market in West Seattle as thanks for our service to the community.
We appreciate his generosity and were so grateful for the delicious sandwiches Husky made for us!
STS also did the same for West Seattle Thriftway, according to this WST Instagram post, with an assist from Alki Lumber.
(Note: Five of the businesses mentioned above – Swedish Automotive, West Seattle Autoworks, STS Construction Services, PCC Community Markets, and West Seattle Thriftway – are WSB sponsors.)
With no detailed city plan yet for handling West Seattle Bridge-less mobility when the stay-home order lifts, local groups are continuing to spell out their proposals. Today, we hear from HPAC, the community council for the areas most affected by detoured traffic – Highland Park, Riverview, South Delridge. While SDOT guested at HPAC’s meeting April 22nd (WSB coverage here), they had no specifics beyond the Highland Park Way/Holden signal that was installed in the first week post-bridge closure. So HPAC has sent a letter (see it here in PDF) to the mayor, council, and SDOT, noting that “… we are now in week 7 of the closure and very few of the public concerns that have been raised have been adequately addressed.” HPAC has these 13 specific concerns/proposals:
… Issues and areas that need to be addressed before the stay-at-home order is lifted:
1. At the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St:
● A left-hand turn signal is needed for turning onto SW Holden from Highland Park Way/9th Ave SW northbound. Currently, traffic coming up the hill on Highland Park Way and going right does not stop, with SW Holden being so narrow, only one car being turning onto SW Holden, so traffic trying to turn left are stuck at the light for several cycles or cutting through SW Portland St at higher speeds.
● Extra traction on the uphill southbound lane on Highland Park Way.
● Separate green signals for pedestrians and drivers in the northwest corner of the intersection.2. Traffic signal adjustments to address traffic backups at the following intersections:
● Add a left hand turn signal at 16th Ave SW and SW Holden St as previously requested for
over the last 6 years.
● Delridge Way SW and SW Holden St.
● Orchard St. and Delridge Way SW
● 8th St and SW Roxbury St.3. Traffic calming features on our neighborhood streets:
● For the school zones of Chief Sealth HS, Roxhill Elementary, Sanislo Elementary and Highland Park Elementary.
● Police presence to curb excessive speeding on 16th Ave SW
● Signage at 4-way intersections to ease transit for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. Signs
along SW Thistle St at 20th and 18th Ave. Stop sign at 11th and Kenyon St.
● Work with the neighborhoods to identify streets to become one-way to help mitigate cut- through traffic.4. Turning onto SW Holden St from streets both east and west of Delridge Way is extremely difficult with increased traffic.
● Mitigation requested.
5. West Marginal Way S:
● Increase the number of lanes to get onto the on ramp for the 1st Ave bridge.
● Request for better bike lane marking at the intersection with Highland Park Way SW
● Request to fill potholes and fix road deterioration near the railroad tracks
● Request for two lanes northbound at the intersection with Highland Park Way SW6. Pedestrian path on the east side of Highland Park Way after the SW Holden intersection:
● Request to consider widening the path to allow for more use
● Request to clean moss off from path7. Left-hand turn signal requests at the following intersections:
● 16th Ave SW and SW Holden St
● 16th Ave SW and SW Roxbury St.
● 8th Ave SW and Roxbury St.8. King County Metro Route 131
● Make a bus-only lane starting at SW Holden and Highland Park Way going on through to West Marginal Way then over the 1st Ave bridge toward Seattle.
● Request to adjust signal at Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden for bus priority
● Increase Route 131 service.9. We want to clearly understand the traffic patterns throughout the peninsula. SDoT has never taken into consideration the east-west traffic flow throughout West Seattle. We want to know what routes people are taking and which streets are becoming major arterials. Monitoring should be placed at the following intersections:
● SW Orchard St. and SW 35th Ave
● SW Orchard St. and Delridge Way SW
● SW Holden St. and SW 35th Ave
● SW Holden St. and Delridge Way SW
● SW Thistle St. and California Ave SW
● SW Thistle St. and SW 35th Ave
● SW Thistle St. and Delridge Way SW
● SW Trenton St. and SW 35th Ave
● SW Trenton St. and Delridge Way SW
● SW Barton St. and SW 35th Ave
● SW Henderson St. and Delridge Way SW
● SW Henderson St. and 9th Ave SW
● SW Roxbury St. and 35th Ave SW
● SW Roxbury St. and Delridge Way SW
● SW Roxbury St. and 9th Ave SW
● Olson Pl SW and 1st Ave S10. For the City of Seattle to increase Metro bus service for access for east and west transit on the peninsula itself i.e. access to California St./ Junction areas only offer the 128, which is hard for the rest of the peninsula to get to without using their cars.
● The transfers through the Westwood Village has been difficult for Highland Park riders since the reroute of the 136/137. Highland Park and Delridge Neighborhoods have been designated food deserts by the city.
11. A commitment from the City to repair the streets that were damaged during the bridge closure.
● Once traffic resumes we will have a better understanding of which of the streets that will be, but assume at least: Roxbury St, Delridge Way SW, SW 35th Ave, Highland Park Way SW, and Olson Way SW.
12. Heavy freight routes clearly designated and enforced.
● This type of vehicle will cause massive and immediate damage to our more residential
streets (i.e. Holden St) and will significantly slow traffic since these types of vehicles will
have issues turning the tight corners. Both Avalon St. and Roxbury with their wider lanes
and concrete enforced lanes are better suited for this type of transit.13. We want an immediate bridge replacement plan without a $33 million expenditure for the current bridge or a two-year evaluation period. SDOT’s current plan will put an undue burden on the daily lives of our West Seattle residents.
Please learn from the I35 bridge failure and replacement in Minneapolis and the rapid rebuild of the Genoa, Italy bridge. No one waited for two years before making a decision on viability – just replace this bridge.
The $33 millioh reference, if you missed the original report, goes back to the April 15th briefing covered here – it’s the projected cost of stabilizing the bridge, planning traffic control, and doing maintenance on the low bridge.
Readers have asked about special take-out meals for Mother’s Day this Sunday (May 10th). We in turn issued an open invitation to restaurants to tell us what they’re offering. (updated) Here’s what we have so far:
ITTO’S TAPAS: “We’re offering a Mother’s Day meal for 2 at $90. Lamb shank with seasonal roasted veggies, 3 jumbo prawns, Arugula salad with manchego, Flan for dessert, and a bottle of Spanish cava. Preorder via email. ittostapasws@gmail.com”
ENDOLYNE JOE’S: Offering “a special ‘Mama’s Day Brunch Kit’ for families of four and up, ready-to-reheat at home for Mother’s Day brunch … choose from Three Little Pigs Strata with ham, sausage, bacon and cheddar cheese or Spring Vegetable Strata with asparagus, bell pepper, cauliflower, and brie cheese, plus Cherry Crumble Coffee-Cake, Fruit Cocktail with melons, pineapple, and berries and cream cheese yogurt dip and a Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette … add a ‘Mom-osa’ Kit featuring a Bottle of Bubbles and Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice for an additional $25.” Order by phone, 206.937.5637, by Friday at 3 pm. “Each Brunch Kit is $60 plus tax and will include reheating instructions. Pickup is on Saturday, May 9.”
(added 11 am) PHOENECIA: Thanks to commenter Erica for mentioning this; we’ve since heard directly from the restaurant, which sent this image of the special 4-course Mother’s Day dinner menu and how to order.
(added Thursday) ARTHUR’S: “We’ve got several meal kits as well as 3-course pre made meals that are finished at home. Kits are a 12 oz ribeye steak, lamb with cherry glaze, or salmon. Our 3-course meal includes a choice of appetizer with a salad, assorted fresh baked croissants and house-made jam with whipped butter, or our smoked trout crostini. The main course options are crab benedict, pulled pork benedict, baked french toast, steak and eggs, or crab cakes. With each benedict we have the components and recipe for making hollandaise at home so that it doesn’t get salmonella in transit. We’ve been hearing from everyone how much they love our benedicts so this will be the standard for weekend brunch during the closure and beyond! Lastly, we have kids meals of a classic brekkie, baked french toast, or mac & cheese. Kits and coursed-out meals are $32 and kids’ meals are $8. We ask that orders be placed by Saturday morning at noon so we can get everything prepared and scheduled for pickup by Sunday.” 206-829-8235
(added Thursday) JET CITY BEIGNET: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Chef Michael Poole of West Seattle’s Hot Chocolat to offer you these unique, locally-crafted gift boxes mom will adore! Just visit our web shop, select your desired beignet box and add the artisan chocolate option of your choice. You can also add a bag of JCB custom small-batch coffee blend by Middle Fork Roasters – specially priced for Mother’s Day! Gift Boxes will be available for pick-up on Sunday, May 10th @ 4611 36th Ave SW. In order to limit crowds, there will be designated pick-up times (ranging from 9am – noon) according to the first letter of the purchaser’s last name.”
Anybody else? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And we’re still welcoming updates for our restaurant/beverage-biz list, too.) Photo by Dan Ciske.
5:58 AM: 43rd morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. Here are the cameras for the restricted-access low bridge (where SPD enforcement continues) and the 5-way intersection west of it:
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map). To get to I-5, exit onto Michigan at the bridge’s north end. Here are cameras for the bridge and Michigan east of it:
The South Park Bridge (map) can also take you across the river. Here’s the South Park camera:
Both bridges open for marine traffic; check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info.
TRANSIT
Metro – Reduced schedule; reduced capacity; check here for next departure
Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues
STREET REMINDERS
West Seattle now has two sets of “Stay Healthy Streets,” closed to through traffic (but open to residents and delivery drivers) 24/7. See the maps here (Puget Ridge/Highland Park) and here (High Point), and heed the “STREET CLOSED” signs.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map, with cameras
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
(WSB file photo)
Everyone at Camp Second Chance – the city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment in southeast West Seattle – got tested for COVID-19 when a mobile testing team visited last week. That was part of the news at this mnnth’s meeting of the CSC Community Advisory Committee, held online this past Sunday afternoon.
Camp co-founder/site coordinator Eric Pattin said the testing van from Swedish visited on Friday, and they’re expecting results later this week. No one has been showing symptoms, he added.
In his general camp update, he said 49 people are at Camp Second Chance right now, 17 women and 32 men. 1 person moved out to permanent housing this past month.
Another milestone for the encampment was shared by reps from Fauntleroy UCC, the camp’s new sponsor: It’s taken over oversight of tiny-home building from Alki UCC, which had long been wrangling that. (CSC has a large area where volunteers have built tiny houses for other sites, too.) Otherwise, the church is still working on what kind of programming to provide, as well as still finalizing documents with LIHI, which manages CSC.
No major updates from CAC members; no one from the city participated, nor was there any community comment from non-committee members.
As for the camp’s needs, Pattin expressed gratitude for community donations and asked that no one bring clothing – they have far more than they need. Food is always welcome, though, especially cans (chili, ravioli, etc.).
The meeting only ran about 20 minutes; the CAC will continue meeting at 2 pm on first Sundays, so the next meeting will be June 7th.
What the governor calls “Phase 1” of transitioning out of near-total shutdown starts tomorrow. Here’s the roundup for tonight:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health data dashboard:
*6,582 people have tested positive, up 118 from yesterday
*463 people have died, up 5 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 5,990 and 416.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
SIGNS OF SUCCESS: Public Health says there’s reason for optimism in “two recent reports that are consistent with data” the agency itself has collected/analyzed..
HOW COVID-19 IS AFFECTING SFD AND SPD: Both posted updates today – SPD says 7 of its employees have tested positive (unchanged from the last two weekly updates) and that 24 employees are in quarantine or isolation; SFD says 18 of its employees have tested positive, with 17 currently in quarantine or isolation.
BE A LIFE-SAVER: The pandemic has disrupted donations. If you can donate blood, you have multiple opportunities to do that here in West Seattle this month – Combat Arts Academy (5050 Delridge Way SW) is hosting a pop-up blood drive.
TEE TIMES TOMORROW: Golfing is allowed in our state again as of tomorrow. The governor said so a week ago, but it wasn’t official for the West Seattle Golf Course (and the city’s three others) until a city announcement today.
THE REOPENING PLAN HAS A NAME: The governor formalized last week’s announcements – including the stay-home extension to May 31st – with an order today, and the title “Safe Start Washington.”
ABOUT THOSE ‘STREET CLOSED’ SIGNS: Lots more went up today, mostly on Puget Ridge and in Highland Park, as part of another expansion of “Stay Healthy Streets.” (See the map here.)
They’re open to residents and deliveries, closed to through traffic. As noted in our followup, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is proposing a major expansion, with suggested West Seattle routes including all of Beach Drive SW.
NEIGHBORHOOD ART: Neighbors’ creativity keeps brightening the days. Noodle sent the photo, explaining that the local yard with a “Where the Wild Things Are” theme last month has now switched to “James and the Giant Peach”:
GOT INFO? PHOTOS? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED: Someone came home in the 9000 block of 24th SW Sunday afternoon and found signs someone was or had been inside, so they called 911. Police found a suspect asleep after apparently taking a break from ransacking to drink. SPD Blotter tells the story here.
VEHICLE PROWLED IN APARTMENT GARAGE: Nathaniel emailed to report his 4Runner was broken into in the public area of the garage at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW), “some time between the evening of 4/30 and the evening of 5/2.” A window was smashed and items were stolen from the trunk and back seat. He says others have been hit by vandalism/theft in the garage, too.
FROM THE DUMPED-AND-LIKELY-STOLEN FILE: Mike sent the photo and report:
I live above the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center and I found these tennis rackets ditched beneath the trees of our northern parking lot (by the stairs at Delridge and Genesee that lead up to Pigeon Point). They’re really nice, lightweight, and tightly strung. Maybe they were stolen from someone who was playing tennis at the park across the street. Anyway, I thought I’d send a picture and maybe someone will get their rackets back.
(WSB photo)
Another school that had to cancel its annual auction has taken it online, so everybody can bid – here’s the announcement from the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA:
The Pathfinder K-8 PTSA is pleased to announce its first-ever online auction!
We are offering some great items and packages, many generously donated by local West Seattle businesses, along with art pieces made by individual classrooms. We are excited to try out this new format and pleased that it will allow the entire community to participate – no tickets required.
Due to schools being closed and ongoing restrictions on large gatherings, our auction gala was rescheduled and then cancelled entirely. The funds we planned to raise with this year’s auction are needed more than ever for next year’s PTSA budget to support our school and community. The money helps support everything from teacher classroom funds and academic support to the garden program and community events. We hope you’ll join us in generously supporting our school from the comfort of home.
(WSB photo, looking east on Trenton from 17th)
MONDAY REPORT: As announced last week, more east West Seattle streets are now closed to through traffic as part of the city’s “Stay Healthy Streets” program. The first round two weeks ago included streets in High Point and a bit south; the new stretch is primarily in Puget Ridge and Highland Park. (Update – text list was inaccurate so we’ve removed it; please see the SDOT map.)
The SHS-designated streets are closed to all but local motor-vehicle traffic – defined as residents and deliveries – and open to bicycling, walking, running, etc., 24/7, TFN.
The city has said it’s continuing to evaluate potential expansions. This afternoon, the advocacy group Seattle Neighborhood Greenways proposed what it called a “crowdsourced, 130-mile, network of Stay Healthy Streets,” including some potential West Seattle additions such as the entirety of Beach Drive SW. See the SNG proposal mapped here. The group also has an FAQ document here.
TUESDAY NOTE: If you didn’t catch the difference between the green and blue lines on the map, as Don Brubeck of West Seattle Bike Connections (part of the SNG coalition) points out, much of Beach Drive is proposed for parking-lane conversion, not the full width.
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