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VIDEO: Celebrating West Seattle High School’s Class of 2020

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

Even without traditional commencement ceremonies, the Class of 2020 is graduating, and that’s what an event outside West Seattle High School this afternoon was all about.

It was a drive-up/walk-up event to pick up caps and gowns.

Seniors and families were cheered as they drove through the lot:

(Video courtesy Clay Eals)

Students were reminded to vote for the Senior Class Awards, too:

Among the staff and volunteers there to cheer the seniors, WSHS principal Brian Vance:

In lieu of the usual gatherings, the district is arranging virtual events. In the meantime, you can also cheer grads in your neighborhood – look for yard signs –

(Reader photo via text)

P.S. Cap-and-gown pickup for Chief Sealth International High School is set for next Wednesday.

CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 5/21 roundup

Here’s our nightly roundup, running way later than usual tonight because of breaking news:

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

*7,645 people have tested positive, up 28 from yesterday

*534 people have died, up 4 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,307 and 514.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: More than 5.1 million cases. See the global outbreak breakout, nation by nation, here.

GOVERNOR CANCELS: Last night we mentioned the governor had another briefing scheduled this morning. Didn’t happen – a cancellation announcement was sent this morning instead.

HASHTAG FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND: From the state Health Department, urging you to #RecreateResponsibly:

The long weekend is a welcome opportunity for families and households to get outside for fresh air and exercise. Most state lands and parks are now open for day use; camping at state parks is still not allowed. Here are some reminders about how to #RecreateResponsibly while we all continue to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19:

*Stay local. Find a place to hike, picnic, or take a walk that is close to home. Please avoid traveling outside your own county borders to popular destinations

*Avoid crowded areas. Public gatherings are still not allowed.

*Enjoy the outdoors with people in your immediate household.

*Follow physical distancing and etiquette rules such as wearing a cloth face covering and staying six feet apart from others.

As long as we all #RecreateResponsibly, spending time outside is good for our mental and physical health.

SPEAKING OF HASHTAGS … here’s more on what #SeattleTogether is about.

ALSO FROM THE CITY … a new toolkit to help small businesses and nonprofits who need to renegotiate their rent.

UNEMPLOYMENT INFO: Nonprofit Neighborhood House has produced informational videos in 9 languages.

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

SCHOOLS: Seattle Lutheran HS recognition for the Class of 2020

No commencement ceremony does NOT mean no celebration for the Class of 2020. The photos and report are from Seattle Lutheran High School (which is north of The Junction):

Seattle Lutheran High School principal Dave Meyer delivered signs and gifts to the Class of 2020.

After an incredible year, the Senior class were given signs and gifts to recognize their achievement and perseverance throughout an historical end of the school year. “Seattle Lutheran delivers,” said a parent.

Go Saints!

RESOURCES: Neighborhood House creates unemployment-info videos in 9 languages

That’s one of nine new videos that Neighborhood House – the nonprofit with a major resource center in High Point – asked us to let you know about. Explains Sayyora Polat from Neighborhood House, “Our staff have created videos on the new Expanded Unemployment Benefits that are available in multiple languages: Amharic, Farsi, Khmer, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. More languages coming soon.” All nine videos are linked here.

HELPING: Special delivery for National Guard members deployed to White Center Food Bank

May 20, 2020 11:47 pm
|    Comments Off on HELPING: Special delivery for National Guard members deployed to White Center Food Bank
 |   Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photos/video)

Like the West Seattle Food Bank, the White Center Food Bank – which serves part of WS too – is among the food banks getting help from the Washington National Guard. And today, the helpers got some help themselves – eight bicycles!

That’s Stephen Rowley from Cascade Bicycle Club. Today, he delivered loaner bikes to the WCFB for the National Guard members to use. Their leader, Sgt. Aaron Smith, explained:

Rowley told us that these bicycles are usually used in activities at schools, but since those aren’t happening right now, they were available.

The borrowers are expected to keep them for several weeks.

CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 5/20 roundup

Here are the toplines of today’s local virus-crisis news:

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

*7,617 people have tested positive, up 35 from yesterday.

*530 people have died, up 1 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,221 and 514.

ANOTHER DATA DASHBOARD: The county announced today that it’s added this one, with info on “key economic, social, and overall health impacts.”

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

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

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING TOMORROW: Gov. Inslee‘s office says his next media briefing will be at 11:30 am tomorrow, and that he will “talk about restarting faith-based services and will speak to health care providers on the importance of seeking urgent medical care amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Thursday morning update: This has been canceled.)

CASE TRACKING/CONTACT TRACING: The state Health Department offers an update on how many people are getting trained to make this happen.

HAPPY HOMECOMING: A West Seattleite who survived an almost-fatal case of COVID-19 is back home tonight.

(Photo courtesy Wendy Hobson)

See the warm welcome Michael Flor got from his neighbors, here.

‘BUMMER SUMMER’: One commenter invoked that phrase again after Seafair‘s cancellation announcement today;

YOU CAN HELP: A new series of Saturday food drives launches this weekend.

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

‘Superman lives here’: Neighbors welcome COVID-19 survivor Michael Flor home to West Seattle

“Superman” is Michael Flor, who survived a life-threatening case of COVID-19 and returned home to a spirited welcome from his West Seattle neighbors today.

His story was told by Danny Westneat of The Seattle Times two weeks ago, when Flor was discharged from Swedish Medical Center. (The story didn’t mention he lives in West Seattle, but a friend told us, so we linked the story in our nightly virus-crisis roundup.) He’s been recovering at a rehab facility since then – until today.

The photos were sent by Wendy Hobson, who reports, “All of the neighbors came out to welcome him home with signs, balloon, chalk drawings, and a power-washed welcome home in the intersection” (above).

A doctor told The Times that at one point, Flor – who is 70 – was near death, “as sick as you can get.” But he survived, and is now back home to do exactly what that window sign exhorts – “celebrate.”

VIDEO: Anton’s still serenading neighbors nightly!

Back on March 26th, we published video sent by Richard in the Fairmount Park area,spotlighting his neighbor Anton‘s nightly saxophone serenades. Today, Richard sent this update:

Pretty amazing dedication and spirit in our community. Every evening, rain or shine – Fairmount Park’s neighbors come out at 6 pm to enjoy Anton’s performances. We all observe “physical distancing” while his performances entertain us during this pandemic. Anton, with the support of his wife (Dawn), has been awesome: his first serenade was on March 24th – 57 straight days and going strong!

Any longrunning pandemic traditions in YOUR neighborhood?

No fireworks, no Blue Angels, no hydros, no parade: Seafair cancels 2020 ‘signature events’

(August 2019 photo by Monica Zaborac)

Announced today by Seafair:

As part of the Seattle summer experience, the non-profit Seafair has been creating lasting memories for the Northwest community for generations. Given the uncertainty surrounding public health safety, and combined with guidance from local and state governments, Seafair is rescheduling its major events to next year. Already, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are confirmed for August 6-8, 2021, and the Fourth of July fireworks show will be back, bigger than ever.

“We are deeply disappointed but together we will get through this emergency,” said Eric Corning, President and CEO of Seafair. “Events will be an important part of our recovery, and we look forward to working with our sponsorship partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to produce a festival with the Blue Angels, fireworks, pirates, clowns, parades, and all of the neighborhood community events. We will stay active in the community this summer to bring people together to celebrate online and in-person, within the COVID-19 guidelines.”

Seafair will be in contact via email with all current ticket holders in the coming days to discuss their options.

As organizers of the largest community summer events in Seattle, bringing millions of Northwesterners together, Seafair is committed to be a catalyst to reunite community and celebrate what it means to live in the Puget Sound region in 2021. The team at Seafair, including board, staff, and the over 3,000 volunteers, are looking forward to doing just that for the community that we love.

Affected 2020 Seafair Festival Signature Events (produced by Seafair)

July 4 – Seafair Summer 4th – Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park

July 11 – Seafair Milk Carton Derby – Green Lake Aqua Theatre

July 19 – Seafair Triathlon – Seward Park

July 25 – Torchlight Run – Downtown Seattle

July 25 – Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade – Downtown Seattle

July 31 – August 2 – Seafair Weekend Festival featuring the Boeing Seafair Air Show and HomeStreet Bank Cup – Genesee Park / Lake Washington

The annual Seafair Pirates Landing on Alki wasn’t mentioned, though it’s usually in June, and large events are unlikely to be allowed by then.

YOU CAN HELP: Saturday food drives outside Admiral Church

May 20, 2020 11:52 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Saturday food drives outside Admiral Church
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

Another way to help people who need food during the COVID-19 economic crunch: A new recurring food drive outside Admiral UCC Church (4320 SW Hill):

Food Drive Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm beginning May 23rd. 2020:

There will be a Food Bank barrel to collect food under a canopy at Admiral Church with attendants to assist with the collection of food: non-perishable and canned food, pet food and cat litter, baking supplies, seasonings and herbs, and bagged fresh produce or home-grown organic vegetables.  

The food drives will be from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturdays, May 23 and 30, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25. Your food donations are needed as the number of people needing food has increased greatly due to the pandemic.

Here’s a map.

CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 5/19 roundup

May 19, 2020 9:18 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 5/19 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Another chunk of the state just qualified to ask for permission to move to Phase 2 of the reopening plan, and that kicks off our nightly roundup:

MORE COUNTIES REOPENING? They don’t have to if they don’t want to, but 10 more counties are eligible to seek “variances” to move to Phase 2 of the reopening plan, Gov. Inslee announced this morning. The new criteria are centered on “less than 10 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents over a 14-day span.” Would that also eventually apply to larger counties like ours? the governor was asked. That’s the direction they’re moving in, he said. Meantime, the 10 newly eligible counties are in this tweet from the governor’s office:

ALSO ANNOUNCED – PHASE 2 RULES FOR FITNESS & REAL ESTATE: All linked here.

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

*7,582 people have tested positive, up 53 from yesterday

*529 people have died, up 6 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,179 and 511.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

SFD & SPD’S WEEKLY UPDATES: Again this week, the Fire Department says it has no personnel currently in quarantine; the Police Department‘s weekly update says 16 SPD employees are in quarantine or isolation.

NEED MASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION? The city has launched a new “online marketplace.” Individual shoppers welcome too.

REMINDER – FREE FOOD TOMORROW: 2-5 pm Wednesday in South Park, you can get a free box of food from Food Lifeline, no questions asked (except your zip code).

AFTER 2 MONTHS OF SCHOOL @ HOME, 1 TO GO: Seattle Public Schools has a survey for its students’ families and staff.

GRATITUDE … or was it cat-itude? Another window sighting sent by Noodle:

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

EDUCATION: 1 month to go in Seattle Public Schools’ year; 2 more days to answer survey

June 19th – one month from today – is the last day of the year for Seattle Public Schools. No decision yet about what school will be like in the fall, though the governor has said he’s optimistic that in-person classes will resume. In the meantime, SPS is asking its families and staff to answer a survey “to gather feedback on how things are going and inform additional supports and future planning.” It’s open through Wedneday (May 20th); the family survey is here, the staff survey here, the school-leader survey here.

MORE! ‘Who’s open?’ West Seattle food and beverage list keeps getting longer

8:55 AM: Again today, we have more food/drink establishments joining/rejoining our West Seattle list.

WHISKY WEST: Just reopened for takeout. Lead bartender Holly tells us WW (6451 California SW) is open daily 11 am-8 pm. Here’s a pic of the menu; beverages are listed here.

MARINATION MA KAI: Reopening tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20th) for takeout food and drinks, 3-7 pm daily (at Seacrest, 1660 Harbor SW) – info here; menu here. Thanks to Jen for the tip!

TAT’S TRUCK: Bringing the Tat’s Deli sandwiches to West Seattle on Saturdays starting this weekend (May 23rd), 11:30 am-6:30 pm at Hans VW Repair (35th/Graham). Here’s the menu, sent by Rob.

Any other additions/changes for our list? Please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you – EAT/DRINK LOCAL!

ADDED 3:35 PM: Thanks to Morgan for the tip – Shadowland (California/Oregon) has just reopened too! 3-9 pm Tuesdays-Sundays.

CORONAVIRUS: Monday 5/18 roundup

We’re now less than two weeks from the current expiration date on the stay-home order. That’s where we start our nightly roundup of virus-crisis news:

WILL PHASE 2 START ON JUNE 1? The governor was asked about that twice during his media briefing today. As noted during our as-it-happened coverage, his answer was basically, too soon to say.

DON’T DELAY YOUR HEALTH/DENTAL CARE: That was the main message of today’s briefing. Gov. Inslee issued a proclamation that says in essence, providers can reopen when they feel they’re ready to follow the new protocol, including ample PPE for patients as well as staff.

ANOTHER BRIEFING TOMORROW: The governor will speak and have Q&A again at 11 am tomorrow, announced as an opportunity “to talk about the plan for additional county variances and announce emergency small-business grants.” Here’s the link for the planned livestream.

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

*7,529 people have tested positive, up 49 from yesterday

*523 people have died, up 1 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,115 and 505.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

FREE FOOD: Food Lifeline has two more distributions this week.

UNEMPLOYMENT IMPOSTERS: The state Employment Security Department issued an update on the problem today, and urged people to report any evidence of fraud – here’s where to go.

FAKE SIGN: A texter called this to our attention – an almost-real-looking fake sign at the Sanislo Elementary playground:

ENDING ON A NOTE OF GRATITUDE: A real, and very creative, sign in Arbor Heights – thanks to Andrea R. for the photo:

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

NEED FOOD? 2 more chances to get it from Food Lifeline

From Food Lifeline in South Park:

Food Lifeline announced today that it will continue to distribute thousands of emergency food boxes to anyone needing help keeping food on the table during this crisis.

Food Lifeline – 815 South 96th Street (Two this week)

*Wednesday, May 20th, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Friday, May 22, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This schedule is also available on the homepage of foodlifeline.org

ANYONE can have access to this food. This is a confidential distribution, so there will be no paperwork or qualification. Food Lifeline is only asking for zip codes to track its efforts.

Here’s a map to FL’s South Park location.

UPDATE: Governor’s briefing on ‘restart of all medical services’ – dental, too

2:37 PM: Just under way, Gov. Inslee is talking about reopening for elective medical procedures. He’s joined by Bill Robertson, president and CEO of MultiCare; Sally Watkins, executive director of the Washington State Nurses Association; and Vice Admiral Dr. Raquel Bono, director, Washington state COVID-19 health care response. We’ll add notes as it goes.

2:40 PM: He opens with words of gratitude for health-care providers but says we’ve weathered the peak and so he says he’s issuing a proclamation allowing non-urgent medical and dental procedures, if safety protocol can be followed. … He says PPE availability and hospital capacity remain key in “readiness” for this. He acknowledges that getting PPE may be a challenge for some providers and so that might affect their ability to reopen. Waiting-room limits, distancing, hygiene are other parts of the new rules. Regarding hospital capacity, he says there’s now a tool to track that in real time.

He urges people not to be afraid to contact their health-care professional to talk about their concerns and needs.

2:44 PM: Watkins is talking about the guidelines and how they help individual providers assess their readiness. She says they don’t intend “unintended health consequences” by people delaying important care such as vaccinations. Robertson subsequently reiterates that message – don’t avoid care if you need it.

2:56 PM: Now it’s media Q&A. First question is about governors’ call with the president today; Inslee says he was not it. Next question: What about June 1? “We would really like to move to Phase 2, but we can’t guarantee when that will happen. … we will be able to make that decision in the days leading up to that time … we have to look at the course of this disease. … We are hopeful; there have been some signs of progress recently … but we’re going to have to monitor this on a daily basis in the next several weeks.”

Next question: A new study claims up to 13 percent of Washington’s 1,000 COVID-19 fatalities might be from another cause. Inslee says even if that were so: “887 deaths – that’s OK?” He then goes on to decry “conspiracy theories” as “disappointing … I’ve heard people say things that are from a different planet.”

Then: Why did the governor change his mind about requiring restaurant patrons to leave contact information? “We figured we’re going to get enough voluntary compliance … to not risk disagreements at the reservation counter.”

Also: If we get to Phase 4 as soon as mid-July, might we get back to large sporting events? “We don’t know …. we need to make the decisions when we have the information” to make them, Inslee replied. He adds that the success in the next few months will be related to the 14-day isolation capability of people who test positive and their families, or people otherwise exposed.

What about testing capacity? Inslee says again that the state has a good capacity for analyzing samples – 20,000 a day – but doesn’t have enough materials to do that many tests, because the federal government still isn’t living up to its commitment. He goes on to detail a “maddening” case of getting the wrong supplies. Then he says that he’s also infuriated that the president has said that testing is overrated.

Another question about when the Phase 2 decision will be made. Inslee repeats that when they have enough data “in the days leading up to” June 1st, he’ll decide. What’s the criteria? He lists some of the types of data they are monitoring, not just positive cases and deaths – hospitalizations, for example, and the much-mentioned “R0” number – how many additional people are infected by each new patient – and he says that number is back around 1.

3:17 PM: Asked a followup about the earlier mention of a possible error in the fatality total, the governor clarifies that he has no reason to doubt the number is accurate, and again decries “conspiracy theories” as “disgusting” and “malarkey.”

Three minutes later, he wraps up. The video window above should show the recording soon. And we’ll add a link when the medical/dental proclamation document is available.

5:23 PM: Here’s the full writeup from the governor’s office; here’s the proclamation.

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT: More additions to our West Seattle list

It’s now been two months since the governor’s orders limited restaurants to take-out/delivery. Since the start, we’ve kept a long list of your West Seattle options – not just restaurants but also other businesses offering prepared-food and/or beverages. Two more additions to mention as the week begins; Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, well-known for its catering, is now offering take-and-bake Family Meals, for pickup at The Hall at Fauntleroy or for delivery – order by noon Mondays for pickup/delivery on Wednesdays. Menu and info here. … New in The Triangle is the fried-chicken food truck Swagg-n-Wagon at 4514 Fauntleroy Way SW, open Tuesday-Wednesdays 12-4 pm, Thursdays-Fridays 12-6 pm …And we keep updating the ongoing listings as we get word from proprietors and/or customers – email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 … thank you, and EAT/DRINK LOCAL!

CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 5/17 roundup

May 17, 2020 9:18 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 5/17 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Fairly quiet day, so just a few things in our nightly roundup:

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

*7,480 people have tested positive, up 40 from yesterday

*522 people have died, up 2 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,046 and 498.

ONE MORE LOCAL DEATH: The toll in 98126 is now 12.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

FACE-COVERING DIRECTIVE: It officially takes effect tomorrow in King County. This is not a law – but you are “strongly urged” to wear one in public, especially indoors. Here’s the official summary; here’s the full directive. As we reported when it was first announced, a business, for example, CAN require you to wear one.

EVEN THE GATEWOOD DRAGON HAS ONE … as shown here.

WHAT DIDN’T HAPPEN TODAY: If not for the pandemic, ~1,000 people would have run/walked along Alki this morning.

SPEAKING OF WALKING: Never know what you’re going to see on your daily walk around the neighborhood. Laura Goodrich sent these photos from SW Genesee across from the West Seattle Golf Course – the fine print declares a section of sidewalk under “the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Silly Walks”:

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

NEIGHBORHOODS: ‘Gatewood Dragon’ gets a gift

Too cute to wait until the nightly roundup! Lana sent the photo and update on the dragon we first featured four weeks ago:

A kind Gatewood neighbor has been making cloth masks. Today she dropped off one for the Gatewood Dragon. The Gatewood Dragon has several daily visitors. Our plan is to leave the Gatewood Dragon up until the quarantine has lifted. Don’t want any sad or worried faces when the Gatewood Dragon returns to work.

‘Stay Healthy Streets’ explained, discussed @ Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board

(WSB photo, Beach Drive “Stay Healthy Street” on Wednesday afternoon)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Pre-pandemic policy for the city usually featured what some deride as “the Seattle process” – propose something, talk about it a lot, finalize it.

In the case of the city’s new “Stay Healthy Streets” – 23 miles of streets now closed to through traffic, open to walking/riding/rolling, including three stretches in West Seattle – things happened in the opposite direction: Action, then talk.

The first public discussion of them, four weeks after the first ones were announced, happened this past Wednesday, when the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board met via videoconferencing/phone.

Most of the meeting was devoted to a hour-plus discussion of Stay Healthy Streets, bookended by two public-comment periods. The first one opened with West Seattle resident Loren Schwartz calling the newest West Seattle SHS, Alki Avenue and Beach Drive around Alki Point, “transformative,” “amazing … phenomenal … paradise.”

Read More

No West Seattle 5K today, but you can help get the WSHS PTSA to the finish line

May 17, 2020 11:53 am
|    Comments Off on No West Seattle 5K today, but you can help get the WSHS PTSA to the finish line
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

If not for the pandemic, about 1,000 runners and walkers would be celebrating completion of the annual West Seattle 5K along Alki right about now. It’s a benefit for, and organized by, the West Seattle High School PTSA, which has a reminder for you:

We are missing you all and missing this wonderful community event! Please plan to participate and/or sponsor this event next year. Cancelling this and our other spring fundraiser has left us with a budget shortfall. If you are willing and able to donate to the WSHS PTSA, please make a donation on our website.

We’ve co-sponsored the WS5K every year since the first one in 2009. See you there in May 2021!

CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 5/16 roundup

As we start the 12th week of the coronavirus crisis in King County, here’s our roundup of today’s toplines:

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

*7,440 people have tested positive, up 80 from yesterday

*520 people have died, up 4 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 7,000 and 490.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: More than 4.6 million people have tested positive, 1.4 million of them in the U.S. See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

PREVENTING PICNICS: In the ongoing “Keep It Moving” campaign in city parks, Stewart sent that photo, saying crews have just taped up the picnic tables at Don Armeni Boat Ramp:

The benches, Stewart notes, remain open.

GROCERY-STORE HOURS: Two more of the major chains that have stores in West Seattle have added back some of the hours they dropped early in the virus crisis. That’s part of today’s weekly-during-the-pandemic grocery-shopping update.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: For the third time since a 2-month mayor-mandated closure, the WSFM will be open tomorrow, 10 am-2 pm. The entrance remains at California/Alaska; line up along Alaska, and north up 42nd if necessary. This week’s vendor list is here.

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES: Since we published this reminder today, we got word the West Seattle Small Business Relief Fund is almost up to $100,000 … but our area has hundreds of small businesses trying to hang on, so if you can contribute, anything helps.

SINCE WE DIDN’T GET SUNSET COLORS TONIGHT … here’s a vivid view from earlier this week, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor:

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

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Small Business Relief Fund update

Two months after the stay-home order shuttered many businesses, it continues to be a tough time even for those that have been allowed to offer pickup and delivery. Many generous West Seattleites have lent an extra hand through the Small Business Relief Fund. You can even choose a specific business to support, with 100 percent of your gift going directly to that business. The West Seattle Junction Association is coordinating the fund, but it’s not a Junction-only program – you can name any West Seattle small business(es) to target your donation. Also note, it may go further than the dollar amount alone – Verity Credit Union (WSB sponsor), for example, pledged to match up to $10,000 worth of donations made starting May 5th. With the added mobility crisis caused by the high-bridge closure, a strong local business community has never been more important. You can donate online via credit card, via the Junction Venmo (@westseattlejunction), or send a check via: West Seattle Junction Association, 4210 SW Oregon St, Suite A, Seattle 98116. As of the last update a week ago, donations had totaled $78,000, but West Seattle has hundreds of small businesses, so they can use a lot more support.