Two more business updates – both from the adult-beverage business. irst, from longtime WSB sponsor Viscon Cellars:

We are not open our regular hours due to our mandated inability to conduct tastings; however, we can sell bottles for home consumption.

All of our current wines are available to order on our website Visconcellars.com. Customers can place their orders and I will personally deliver..Within reason :)

Otherwise customers can have the wines shipped to them via UPS if they are outside of the Seattle area.

I am thankful to our community for coming together to support small business and helping us all learn and grow from this experience, which allows us to remain close, while we are apart.

I have spoken with many of my peers in the wine business and restaurants and even retailers that are thankful to live in this community where we can all lean on and support one another.

And a launch announcement – Whisky Business, LLC:

Hankering for something fun, interesting, and “adult” to do during quarantine? Local Certified Scotch Professional and West Seattle resident Christian Skoorsmith comes to the rescue. A perfect date-night with your quarantine partner, or even a fun solo diversion, you receive a flight of Scotch samples delivered to your door, and a group of “attendees” meets online for a professionally-led tasting: a couple hours of tasting notes, techniques, history, ecology, terroir, the whole gambit. Everything you need to deepen your enjoyment of Scotch, and taste like a professional.

Skoorsmith is the Chair of the Seattle Single-malt Society, and has been leading Scotch Tastings locally for more than a year. In the wake of Coronavirus closures and social distancing, he decided to extend the experience to a broader audience online, and pivoted his exclusive in-person events to virtual tastings. He offers a number of set “tours”: an introduction to Scotch (touring the major whisky regions of Scotland), leveling up your tasting game, a tour of specific regions: Islay, the Highlands, Speyside, and a tour of historic blends. Tastings typically last an hour and-a-half to two and-a-half hours, depending on the number of samples and the level of instruction/information desired.

Got a business update? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Pre-Easter bunny

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Anne de Vore for the photo! Spending more time at home and in local neighborhood(s), you might be noticing wild rabbits. (She says that one’s been turning up in her yard around 5 pm daily; we’ve had one in our yard for a while too.) We don’t have stats but they seem to have become more common in the past few years. You can learn about bunny behavior via this state Department of Fish and Wildlife fact sheet.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen bag, hard hat to watch for

April 10, 2020 1:47 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Kate:

Our truck was broken into last night at 40th Ave SW and SW Dakota street. They stole a large and very heavy green and brown Duluth Trading Company bag that is filled with straps and chains…I’m thinking it was likely ditched as it has no monetary value and is SO heavy! We also are on the lookout for a construction hard had with attached head lamp and a safety vest. We have filed a police report.

If you spot either item, let us know and we’ll connect you.

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PARKING: West Seattle Junction RPZ expanding, at residents’ request

April 10, 2020 11:55 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, November 2019)

Thanks to Terri for the tip on this. Less than half a year after its launch, the West Seattle Junction RPZ is expanding. Our tipster was told it’s at the request of residents. SDOT for confirmed that when we inquired:

We created the new West Seattle Junction RPZ 35 in fall 2019, and shortly after started hearing several requests from neighbors who wished to have their blocks added into the RPZ:

44th Ave SW between SW Dakota St and SW Andover St
42nd Ave SW between SW Hudson St and SW Dawson St
SW Hudson St east of 42nd Ave SW (cul-de-sac)

In January, we provided petition forms to each of the block residents who had requested the expansion. They circulated the petition to their neighbors and returned qualifying forms showing that over 60 percent of their neighbors supported their blocks being added to the RPZ. In late February, we mailed information to every resident on those blocks about the program and how to obtain a permit.

We had originally planned to install RPZ signs later this month, but the COVID-19 pandemic may effect this timeline. In the meantime, now is a great time for residents on these blocks to get ready and apply for a RPZ permit online today, if they have not already done so.

See the RPZ’s original area in this WSB story from last September. Not sure what an RPZ is? It’s explained here. The one in the Junction area was created after two community requests spanning a decade.

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GOOD FRIDAY: Online services today/tonight. Anyone else?

April 10, 2020 10:37 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle online | West Seattle religion

UPDATED 1:26 PM: Among the many events/gatherings that are not allowed by government order right now are worship services. This weekend, that means many are missing what might even be the only time of year that they go to church or synagogue – it’s Easter weekend, and Passover. We’re continuing to publish previews os we get them. Today is Good Friday, and we have (updated) six notes so far:

TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (WSB sponsor): Online service is posted here; the bulletin is here

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH: 3 pm service today, to be livestreamed here

ALKI UCC: “Good Friday: A Service of Shadows,” 5 pm livestream via Zoom; info is on the church’s home page (scroll down to lower right)

WEST SEATTLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Livestreaming Good Friday service here at 7 pm

FAUNTLEROY UCC: Good Friday Tenebrae Service at 8 pm via Zoom Webinars or on the Fauntleroy Church YouTube channel. To join via Zoom, register here; after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

WEST SEATTLE CHURCH COLLECTIVE: Service presented by the pastors of Arbor Heights Community Church, Grace Church Seattle, Hope Lutheran, and Trinity West Seattle – at this YouTube link

Anyone else with a Good Friday service, email us ASAP at westseattleblog@gmail.com or comment below and we’ll add! We’ll also have an Easter service list – publishing it Saturday night instead of Sunday morning, since some are having sunrise services.

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NEED FOOD? KBM Commissary’s offer

April 10, 2020 9:27 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo courtesy Monica Rodriguez, showing food from West of Chicago Pizza, T’Juana Tacos, Jemil’s Big Easy, Ka Pow Thai on Wheels)

Among the restaurants/prepared-food sellers on our West Seattle list are multiple businesses selling takeout from a window at the KBM Commissary, many of them known for their food trucks and/or catering services. The commissary’s owner Keith Mathewson sends word of a plan they have to give back to the community:

The stay-at-home order has placed many people in the West Seattle community at home without a job. The people who operate their business out of KBM have seen their business either shut down or greatly reduced. This means that a large production kitchen with many skilled cooks are going idle while the need for meals is great.

Members of KBM Seattle Commissary Kitchen would like to start giving out 100 four-person family meals each week while the stay at home order is in place. Each week a different company would create a menu for that week and members of the kitchen would help that company to prepare the meals. To ensure that demand is not greater than supply and that people do not come hoping to receive a meal and are turned away empty-handed I have set up an email address whereby the person can contact me with their name and perhaps the business where they are either laid off from or no able to go to so that we can match names with meals. The email address is kbmcovidrelief@gmail.com.

Since my wife and I will be funding the project and the stay-at-home order may last until June, I have set up a Go Fund Me page, given that we may not have the resources to pay for perhaps 3000 meals on our own. It is hoped that people who’s income has not been impacted may wish to contribute financially. We hope to begin Thursday, April 16th.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: Friday watch, third week of West Seattle Bridge closure

April 10, 2020 5:40 am

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:40 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 18th consecutive morning.

SDOT clarified Wednesday that the low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, and emergency responses; SPD presence continued on Thursday and new signage is still being added.

REMINDER: For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.

Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.

TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:

As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule shrunk again at the start of the week . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.

The Water Taxi’s schedule is also reduced – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.

ROAD WORK UPDATE:

Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is now on pause until Monday because of the mayor’s orders for a two-day citywide public-works construction stopdown – striping will resume Monday; here’s the latest.

OTHER LINKS

SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page

Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.

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SEEN FROM WEST SEATTLE: ‘Light It Blue’

April 10, 2020 12:07 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Thanks to Carolyn Newman for the photo. As seen from this side of Elliott Bay, downtown participated in the nationwide “Light It Blue” initiative tonight – a show of support for health-care workers, first responders, and others providing essential services.

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THE WEST SEATTLE TURKEY: Southbound

April 9, 2020 11:40 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | Fauntleroy | Seaview | West Seattle news | Wildlife

As the one-year anniversary of its mysterious appearance nears, The West Seattle Turkey is back in the neighborhood where those early sightings happened.

WSB commenter “1994” texted that photo from north Arbor Heights tonight. Earlier, Emily K. photographed it in Upper Fauntleroy, near 36th/Cambridge:

Steve also reported a sighting there, while a texter saw TWST at 36th/Cloverdale: “I have always wanted to see her on a walk and then she appears right outside our yard! So cool!” The day began with Amy‘s sighting in Seaview:

TWST has covered a lot of ground in the past few weeks – south to Fauntleroy, then north to North Admiral, and now all the way south to Arbor Heights. BirdWeb says of the wild turkey, “They typically get around by walking although they can fly and often roost overnight in tall trees.”

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CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 4/9 roundup

April 9, 2020 9:36 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Elected officials are doing everything short of skywriting STAY HOME, so the latest order tops tonight’s roundup:

PARK CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: The city is closing major parks from 11 pm Friday to 4:30 am Monday, including Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, and West Seattle Stadium. The announcement also notes, “Next week, the City is evaluating and implementing a park by park plan to ensure residents can safely utilize larger regional parks when they reopen.” “Neghborhood parks,” the city says, will remain open for you to use “if necessary.”

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s Seattle-King County Public Health news release:

3,886 confirmed positive cases (up 198* from yesterday)

258 confirmed deaths (up 14 from yesterday)

* The “new confirmed positive cases” figure we publish each day represents all new confirmed cases reported to us through 11:59 the night prior. Some of these test results were processed on days prior but were delayed in being reported to us.

One week ago, the totals for King County were 2,656 cases, 175 deaths. Checking the county’s data dashboard, no newly reported deaths in our area.

STATE NUMBERS … are here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS … are here.

ONE MORE PARKS NOTE: Seattle Parks has canceled the rest of its spring programs, The announcement includes this note:

Registration for summer programs (May 5) and camps (May 12) is still planned, though subject to change if stay-at-home orders continue beyond the current time frame.

WHAT THE GOVERNOR SAID TODAY: His latest media briefing was mostly about the Monroe prison uprising. See the briefing video here.

NOT HAPPENING: More late spring/early summer event cancellations … tonight the West Seattle 5K and West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, both originally scheduled for mid-May. Even if the stay-home order ends May 4th as currently scheduled, the current thinking is that events will be at the very least unwise, if not illegal, for months more. Hoping for a healthy 2021!

MAKING LIFE BEAR-ABLE: We’ve previously featured neighbors’ window displays of teddy bears, and still receive occasional photos. This one from 44th/Holgate today made us smile:

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

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ALSO CANCELED: 2020 West Seattle 5K

April 9, 2020 8:23 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Another big May event has been canceled: The West Seattle 5K, usually the first big run/walk of the year, is off. It’s a fundraiser presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA and often draws up to 1,000 participants; we’ve sponsored it every year since its launch in 2009. But we got this word late today: “The West Seattle High School PTSA made the decision last night to cancel this year’s West Seattle 5K event, on May 17th, in an effort to support social distancing in our community during this time.” The PTSA promises to send word soon about other ways yo can support the student needs usually funded with the proceeds.

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CANCELED: 16th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day

April 9, 2020 6:32 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Dating back to 2005, the second Saturday in May has always been West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which in recent years has involved hundreds of sales and thousands of shoppers. It’s the only event that WSB coordinates and presents every year; we took it over in 2008. This year, WSCGSD was scheduled for May 9th, one month from today, and if not for a certain virus, we would have been registering sales by now. But even if the stay-home order does get lifted in early May as currently scheduled, we can’t imagine it being a good idea to invite people from all over the region to come visit so soon, as we do every year (some shoppers come all the way from Eastern Washington). Not to mention, our area has a bit of a transportation challenge right now. So, we’re canceling this year’s WSCGSD, and holding out healthy thoughts for next year.

P.S. If/when you have your own yard sale later this year – you are welcome to list it free in the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Community Forums. (If you don’t have a login, get one via this link.)

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Don’t wait for the weekend closures – stay home, police plead

April 9, 2020 5:46 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Before the mayor’s weekend-park-closure announcement, we got this from Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis:

To our West Seattle and South Park Community,

Please keep in mind, especially during the warmer weather where the urge to congregate in City parks and other public spaces is at its zenith, we still are on a mission to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Health and Government officials recommend avoiding large gatherings and maintaining at least a 6 feet distance from other people. This reduces the chance of contact with those knowingly or unknowingly carrying the infection. The CDC also recommends wearing some type of personal protective equipment while in public settings where social distancing is difficult and or to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Also, remember that the risk of severe Illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19 and everyone has an important role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community. Your West Seattle officers will continue to address our area’s crime issues but will also take the opportunity to remind our community members of the current social distancing mandates and its importance. That said, please stay healthy and safe as we continue our fight against this invisible enemy.

As noted here earlier this week, here’s how the virus is affecting SPD.

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CLOSURES: Mayor closing major parks this weekend, including Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, West Seattle Stadium

April 9, 2020 3:34 pm

| 145 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Added: WSB photo, Alki Beach Park, 4:30 pm)

Just in from the mayor’s office:

Because of continued gatherings in major parks and crowded public places, the City of Seattle announced today the full closure of major regional parks this weekend where social distancing guidelines have not been followed by patrons. Seattle is joining major cities like Austin and Los Angeles across the country in closing major parks for the weekend. The change is effective Friday, April 10th at 11pm and will parks reopen on Monday, April 12 at 4:30 am. Data shows that social distancing measures are effectively reducing the transmission rate, but any easing of those measures could lead to a resurgence in transmission. Moreover, all city departments are having to adjust to the impacts that COVID-19 has had on employees, their families and the city workforce.

“These are the beautiful weather days we crave all winter, but we are living in unprecedented times and the Governor’s order isn’t stay out – it’s stay home. Seattle’s frontline medical workers, vulnerable residents, and displaced workers need you to stay home. While Seattle is expecting near perfect weather, friends and families should not have family or friend outings, picnics or gatherings in parks. Stay home unless you need to go to an essential job or business. If you need to take a walk in your neighborhood, be smart and don’t help create a crowded place. Too many friends, residents and families are continuing to gathering for picnics, BBQs, basketball games, and group walks. Because we still are in danger of a spike in infections, hospitalizations and deaths we have to keep doing out part. Easing up on social distancing too early will put more people at risk, could overwhelm our health care system, and could delay the reopening of businesses. Stay home, and if you must leave your home, be smart, follow social distancing guidelines by stay at lease six feet from everyone and wear a mask” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Our collective effort has made an impact flattening the curve, but we must continue or face even greater and longer term consequences.”

Closing these parks temporarily will help ensure more people are keeping the distancing they need to from other people. While our neighborhood parks will remain open, the city will consider closing them or making temporary closures longer term if visitors can’t follow safety guidelines. While the City of Seattle has closed parking lots at the largest regional parks, significant gatherings and disregard for social distancing have continued.

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s eight destination parks Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Gas Works, Alki Beach, and Discovery, as well as Cal Anderson, Carkeek, Woodland Park, Volunteer Park, Kubota Garden, West Seattle Stadium, and the Washington Park Arboretum will close on Friday, April 10th at 11pm and will reopen Monday, April 12 at 4:30 am.. Stan Sayres, Magnuson, Don Armeni, and Atlantic St boat launches are also closed. Trails at Lake Washington Boulevard will remain open, but group gatherings will be prohibited. Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail will remain closed. Next week, the City will is evaluating and implementing a park by park plan to ensure residents can safely utilize larger regional parks when they reopen.

“The Police Department is asking community members to continue to follow the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Seattle has worked so hard to flatten the COVID curve in our region, now is not the time for our community to become complacent,” said Chief Carmen Best. “The Police Department supports the Mayor’s decision to close the parks, and we will work with the Parks Department to carry out this order. However, the Seattle Police Department cannot police us out this pandemic. Please stay at home for the health and safety of your family, friends, and loved ones.”

“As the weather has warmed up over the past few days, we’ve seen more and more people heading out to our regional parks, this has created a significant threat to the health and safety of our community. We are closing these parks to more firmly support the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, and to keep our most vulnerable neighbors safe,” said Jesus Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.

Previous orders closed parking lots at those same West Seattle parks.

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Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth MacKenzie

April 9, 2020 3:05 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

WSB is able to provide news/information 24/7/365 thanks to the local businesses and service providers who sponsor our site. When a new sponsor joins the team, they have the opportunity to tell you what they offer – and today, we are welcoming Dr. Elizabeth MacKenzie as our newest sponsor. Here’s what she wants you to know:

Dr. MacKenzie is celebrating the 17th anniversary of her private psychology practice in West Seattle. She is excited to announce an expansion in her parenting services! Dr. MacKenzie provides behavioral therapy to parents of 3-9-year-old children, teaching discipline strategies that promote strong parent-child relationships and loving limits.

She is also enrolling small-group stress management/mindful classes for parents of preschool and elementary-aged children, with an emphasis on the challenges posed by COVID-19. Each 5-parent class will meet weekly via Zoom and the first class to fill will be offered free of charge! Dr. MacKenzie also provides assessments for children, youth, and young adults for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, and associated social-emotional difficulties.

She is complimented on her laugh, problem-solving skills, high skill level, and love for her work. Dr. MacKenzie provides evidence-based services, drawing on many years of experience conducting parenting and clinical trials research, most recently as a Research Scientist at the University of Washington.

Dr. MacKenzie is providing services via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. For treatment and evaluation services, she submits insurance claims on your behalf. Dr. MacKenzie can be contacted via email (emackenzie@west-seattle-psych.com), phone (206.932.2590, x. 2), or via her website at www.west-seattle-psych.com.

We thank Dr. Elizabeth MacKenzie for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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FERRY ALERT: Early end to Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth service tonight

April 9, 2020 1:55 pm

| Comments Off on FERRY ALERT: Early end to Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth service tonight

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Fauntleroy WSF terminal, last month)

From Washington State Ferries:

The last sailing from Fauntleroy to Vashon and Southworth will be cancelled tonight due to needed terminal maintenance. Cancelling the 1 a.m. sailing out of Fauntleroy will allow crews to complete necessary repairs to the terminal’s transfer span.

Listed below are the final sailings for the day for each destination:

Fauntleroy

The 11:45 p.m. sailing to Vashon/Southworth will be final departure for the day.

Vashon

The 10:50 p.m. to Fauntleroy will be the last sailing to West Seattle.
The 1:25 a.m. sailing will be the last trip from Vashon to Southworth.

Southworth

The 11:10 p.m. sailing to Fauntleroy will be the last sailing to West Seattle.
The 12:30 a.m. departure from Southworth to Vashon/Fauntleroy will only go to Vashon.

The Triangle Route is already operating on a reduced schedule,

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ALSO ONLINE TONIGHT: Words, Writers, Southwest Stories talks Seattle sports history

April 9, 2020 1:23 pm

| Comments Off on ALSO ONLINE TONIGHT: Words, Writers, Southwest Stories talks Seattle sports history

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Another second-Thursday event that’s happening online tonight since in-person is not possible – the Southwest Seattle Historical Society–presented author/speaker series Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories. The SWSHS is re-releasing a video presentation by award-winning sports journalist Dan Raley – its announcement continues:

Raley’s presentation, titled “How Seattle Became a Big-League Sports Town,” was originally delivered as part of the Words, Writers, & West Seattle series on March 4, 2016. The presentation will be made available at loghousemuseum.org and on Facebook at 6:00 PM (tonight). We hope you’ll join us from the comfort of your home! The Historical Society will also be sharing an interesting sports-related item from our collection to celebrate the re-release of this presentation.

Raley is an award-winning sports journalist, author, and former aerospace writer. He worked as a journalist at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for 29 years. His previously published books include The Brandon Roy Story, published by Old Seattle Press, 2013; Pitchers of Beer: The Story of the Seattle Rainiers, published by the University of Nebraska Press, 2011; and Tideflats to Tomorrow: The History of Seattle’s Sodo, published by Fairgreens Publishing, 2010.

‘Words, Writers, & SouthWest Stories’ presentations are scheduled regularly for the Second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library. The presentation for next month (scheduled for May 14th) will be announced at a later date, depending on our community’s ongoing efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

P.S. The SWSHS has an extensive video gallery here.

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VIDEO: First-ever virtual West Seattle Art Walk

April 9, 2020 11:47 am

| Comments Off on VIDEO: First-ever virtual West Seattle Art Walk

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

11:47 AM: Tonight is the second Thursday of the month, and that would usually mean West Seattle Art Walk night, at venues all over the peninsula. Though in-person events are still out of the question, the Art Walk team has put together a virtual version for you to enjoy! Here’s the lineup, via the Art Walk website. Organizers explain:

We are excited to feature 40 (!!!) artists, double our regular number, and many of whom haven’t yet had the chance to exhibit at Art Walk. The post is set up like a virtual gallery space, with each artist providing up to 10 images, whether they are hosted by a business or “freelance” / artist-led.

All art is for sale, as for any other Art Walk. If you are interested, just contact the business if listed, or the artist if not.

At 5 pm, we will drop a video playlist of a selection of artists on our Facebook page, so it will be a little bit more like a real walk around!

Thank you for your support of the arts, even in a time of discomfit!

ADDED 5:55 PM: Here’s the video playlists!

WSB is an Art Walk co-sponsor.

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AVALON PROJECT: Striping resumes next week; parking-restriction reminder

April 9, 2020 11:16 am

| Comments Off on AVALON PROJECT: Striping resumes next week; parking-restriction reminder

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Wednesday evening)

As mentioned briefly in our morning traffic watch, the last phase of the Avalon/35th/Alaska repaving-and-more project won’t resume until next week because of the mayor-mandated two-day public-works stopdown. After the towing debacle earlier this week, that means the city wants to be sure people are aware of the parking restrictions. Here’s the SDOT update:

We will not be working this Thursday, April 9 or Friday, April 10 as directed by Mayor Durkan. We will be using this time to will allow contractors and staff to implement rigorous social distancing requirements and update health and safety plans.

On Monday, we will continue to install final striping on 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way as well as look to schedule another paving date soon. We anticipate also installing flex posts for the protected bike lanes at this time. Please follow posted no-parking signs on SW Avalon Way starting first thing on Monday morning at 12:00 AM. We highly recommend moving your car to a new location on Sunday evening.
Important!

No Parking on SW Avalon Way starting Monday at 12:00 AM. We anticipate completing final striping next week on SW Avalon Way, weather depending. We need all cars to be off of the corridor next week and recommend you move your cars Sunday night. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 206-900-8734 or email avalonpaving@seattle.gov.

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BUSINESS UPDATES: West Seattle Runner; WS Landscape and Stone Supply

April 9, 2020 10:33 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two more business updates this morning. First, from longtime WSB sponsor West Seattle Runner‘s proprietors Tim and Lori McConnell:

We will be here in the store M-F from 10-4, taking orders via phone, text, email and Facebook messenger. We need to be here those hours to accept deliveries and set up shipping. We are going to be taking Sat and Sun off, and we may answer some emails, but we are trying to set up some routine where we don’t work every day.

We will be doing no-contact deliveries of all IN-STOCK ORDERS M-F between 4:30 and 6:00. We will also set up vendor direct shipping of any item we do not have in stock.

Email: lori@westseattlerunner.com
Text: 206-228-0019
Message: facebook.com/wsrunner
Call: 206-938-0545

We do not currently have a web-store (under construction), but we hope to have one up very soon. As this operation is currently just Lori and I, we appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we try to figure out the best way to navigate this business challenge.

For those that have already purchased from us since “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” we really appreciate it, everything helps. For those looking to purchase now, know we will do our best to make shoe suggestions over the phone, and are extending our return policy to 45 days. And any order size is welcome, we are not limiting it to shoes or more, if you need 4 gels, we’ll get you 4 gels. We want to continue to service our community through this ordeal – we were here before all this, and we will be here after this, doing our best for our customers and friends.

And from West Seattle Landscape and Stone Supply proprietor Jeff Detweiler:

A lot of people are looking for garden soils right now, and we are one of the only places delivering it in West Seattle. I do everything by email and phone, so there’s no in-person contact with customers, and I am still charging the same delivery rates and soil prices as normal.

Best way to contact is by email as I’m kind of swamped, wslandscapesupply@gmail.com. Our Super veggie soil, compost, two-way soil, medium bark, and NW Mulch (bark/compost mix) are all available for delivery Monday through Friday. Phone is still 206-763-7625, but again, email’s best right now. There’s no pickup of materials available, as we are delivery-only.

Got a business update? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: Thursday watch, third week of West Seattle Bridge closure

April 9, 2020 5:35 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:35 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 17th consecutive morning.

SDOT clarified Wednesday that the low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, and emergency response; SPD presence continued, and there’s more new signage.

REMINDER: For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.

Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.

TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:

As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule shrunk again at the start of the week . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.

The Water Taxi’s schedule is also reduced – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.

ROAD WORK UPDATE:

OTHER LINKS

SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page

Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: Still ‘more questions than answers,’ levy committee told

April 8, 2020 10:53 pm

| 82 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two weeks and two days after the sudden safety shutdown of the West Seattle Bridge, its repair plan is still a work in progress.

That’s what we heard at the latest public briefing on the situation – more of a mini-briefing, with a small slot at the Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee‘s monthly meeting Tuesday night. The committee’s members are volunteers appointed to keep watch on what’s done with the money raised by the levy, passed by voters in 2015, meant to raise $930 million over its nine years.

The briefing was led by deputy SDOT director Lorelei Williams, with roadway-structures director Matt Donahue and department director Sam Zimbabwe also participating.

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 4/8 roundup

April 8, 2020 9:22 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s our nightly roundup of pandemic-related local news:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health news release:

Public Health reported 202 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the official case count in King County to 3,688. 14 new deaths were reported, bringing the total of COVID-19 deaths in King County to 244.

One week ago, the county reported 2,496 cases and 164 deaths.

ONE MORE LOCAL VICTIM: Checking the county data dashboard – 98146 now has two deaths, as do 98106 and 98126; 98136 is still at one, 98116 at zero.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Almost 1.5 million cases. See how that breaks out, nation by nation, here.

NEVER MIND: Remember the Army field hospital being set up at CenturyLink Field? It’s being broken down – the governor says it looks like we won’t need the hospital-overflow space after all. But he also warns we haven’t won the war against the coronavirus yet.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: David Hutchinson spotted this sign on the Alki Trail:

WHY DISTANCE MATTERS WHEN YOU’RE WALKING/RUNNING/ETC.: Researchers explain. (Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for the link.)

ALSO FOR SAFETY’S SAKE … the city announced today that it’s closing more parks’ parking lots, including West Seattle Stadium:

It wasn’t closed when we went by just after 5 pm; we’ll look again tomorrow.

NEED HELP? OFFERING HELP? Another reminder that West Seattle Support is up and running at westseattlecovid.recovers.org – matching requests for assistance with people who can help.

TONIGHT’S INSPIRATION: Sent by J, as seen in North Admiral: