West Seattle, Washington
08 Thursday
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!
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.
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.)
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.
(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.
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:
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Announced today by Seattle Parks:
In addition to the 8 major parks already closed to parking, the City of Seattle is closing parking lots at 8 other parks to further encourage social distancing and lessen crowds. Closures are effective immediately at all parking lots along Lake Washington Boulevard; in Washington Park Arboretum, at Stan Sayers Boat Ramp (boat ramp also closed); AT Carkeek, Kubota, Woodland Park, and Volunteer parks; and at the West Seattle Stadium.
These parking lot closures are in addition to the closures at Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward, Magnuson (including the boat launch), Gas Works, Alki Beach (including Don Armeni boat launch), and Discovery parks.
Residents are encouraged to visit any of other 450 local neighborhood parks, or to bike or walk to the larger destination parks, which will remain open for public use.
“Many of us have been doing a great job at enjoying the outdoors while also practicing social distancing, but we are still observing crowds at some of our larger parks, and pick-up games on fields and courts. We urge you to visit parks closer to home or take walks in your neighborhood. Continuing our social distancing practices is critical to the health of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Jesus Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.
SPR and SPD will continue to deploy staff to encourage social distancing at highly frequented parks.
As a reminder, all Seattle beaches are also closed to gatherings, and Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail are closed.
Just because campuses are closed doesn’t mean learning has stopped. That goes for South Seattle College (longtime WSB sponsor), where spring quarter is about to start, and there’s still time to enroll. Updates from SSC (which has its main campus in West Seattle’s Puget Ridge neighborhood):
Spring Quarter 2020 Starts Next Monday, April 13
So that everyone can stay healthy and stay on track with their education, spring quarter at South Seattle College will look quite different this year. All classes offered from our West Seattle campus will be happening either online or through other remote means to comply with State of Washington executive orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Student Services staff are helping students remotely to prepare for the upcoming quarter, and eLearning staff are providing resources to help everyone prepare for online learning.
Students who are enduring financial hardships as a result of COVID-19’s far-reaching impacts are encouraged to apply for emergency funds and financial aid support. Additionally, the college is working with students on an individual basis to support their at-home technology needs for successful online learning.
The college is still enrolling new students for spring. Classes start April 13, and the last day to add/register is April 17. Visit southseattle.edu/steps-enroll/admissions-application to get started.
Remote Operations & Restricted Campus Access Through at Least May 4
South Seattle College is operating fully remotely through at least May 4 in compliance with Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. During this time campuses are effectively closed (including Georgetown campus), although services are still available remotely and classes will be offered online and through other remote means.
On-campus food services and event space rentals will not be available to the community during remote operations.
Seattle Colleges Foundation Mobilizes to Help Students
The Seattle Colleges Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to help students of the Seattle Colleges by providing grants to cover essential needs including groceries, rent, childcare and educational technology. To learn more and consider supporting the cause, please visit foundation.seattlecolleges.edu/covid-19-emergency-fund.
James Tilley‘s beautiful photo from this morning is a reminder – Washington State Ferries ARE still running. And the parking restrictions for where Vashon/Southwrth-bound traffic would queue up alongside Lincoln Park ARE still being enforced, multiple readers have emailed to point this out, saying citations were being issued on recent afternoons, suggesting that others might appreciate the reminder, since the closure of Lincoln Park’s lots have led some to park on the street instead. While the city has relaxed some parking rules, this type of parking restriction is NOT on the list,
Two more business updates:
RAMBO TOTAL PEST CONTROL: This longtime WSB sponsor is still operating, as this is considered an “essential” service, and they’re offering a discount:
We are offering a special discount to all clients (25%), as well as an extra special discount (50%) to all front-line healthcare workers and first responders. Here is more information on that.
Maybe some folks in West Seattle who are stuck at home with their ants could use a 25% savings to help out right now? ‘Tis the season for Odorous House Ants!
SECOND GEAR SPORTS: The Morgan Junction sports consignment shop is among the retail outlets that have gone online:
In light of the mandatory order, Second Gear Sports is closed, but pivoted to a new webstore. Not everything is online, but the store phone is forwarded to Mark’s cell so he will answer and can check inventory if you are looking for something you don’t see. Sporting goods are great to add to your Easter basket, such as team gear (baseball, soccer, etc.) or bikes (Striders, many sizes of new/used 20”, new 24”), bike accessories (baskets, bells, water cages), etc. Mark is doing no-contact delivery for free. If you need something and you don’t see it, call him.
Whether on the phone or via Facetime/Zoom, Mark provides expert consultation on helmet fittings, deciding on the right bike, right gear… anything you need. And he’s glad to explain why a price is what it is—all records of fair used and new pricing go along with each item. Appreciate you reading, and all of your support always.
Got a business update? Email is the best way to get it to us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
No big announcements today, so here’s what we have for the nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s Seattle-King County Public Health news release:
3,486 confirmed positive cases (up 155* from yesterday)
230 confirmed deaths (up 8 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.
No week-to-week comparison numbers tonight, as they had a data hiccup last Tuesday. The county’s data dashboard, meantime, shows no new deaths in the zip codes that comprise West Seattle/White Center.
ISOLATION/QUARANTINE SITES: Today’s county update also notes, “39 people are currently staying in King County isolation and quarantine facilities.” That does NOT include the Top Hat (east of White Center) site, which has not yet been activated.
2-DAY CONSTRUCTION SUSPENSION: The city has ordered work to be suspended Thursday/Friday on “active public works projects” to “allow contractors and staff to implement rigorous social distancing requirements and update health and safety plans.”
GOVERNOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS: He had two in a relatively low-key afternoon news conference today (video here) – a new fund for small businesses to get relief grants of up to $10.000, and a fund to help food banks around the state. (You can donate directly to both of the ones serving our area via their own websites – West Seattle Food Bank here, White Center Food Bank here.)
‘SEE IT,SNAP IT, SEND IT’: The Attorney General’s Office wants to enlist you in the fight against price-gouging – something about which the AGO has already received 400+ complaints in the past month. here’s how to do that.
TONIGHT’S CHALK-ART INSPIRATION: Seen along SW Thistle in Gatewood:
GOT INFO? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Lots more business updates ahead, after we repeated our invitation for them today. First- one proprietor just wanted to share words of appreciation. From Chris Christensen of West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (both WSB sponsors):
Our community is incredible!
Everyone is following guidelines and is respectful of one another.
Small businesses are taking solid steps to keep us safe and protected. I applaud all of those businesses.
I just want everyone in our community to know they are doing a great job through this process.
(WSB photo from 2019 West Seattle Garden Tour)
Just in from West Seattle Garden Tour organizers:
It is with great sadness, disappointment and an abundance of caution, we announce the cancellation of our June 28, 2020 West Seattle Garden Tour due to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our wish to protect our gardeners, volunteers and ticket holders is of paramount importance.
Anyone who has purchased tickets for this year’s event will be issued a refund.
Since 1995, the West Seattle Garden Tour has been inviting you to visit some of the most beautiful and unique gardens right in our own backyard. We do it for the love of lush, inviting spaces, but that’s not the only reason. We celebrate our neighborhood. We make connections and foster relationships.
Besides showcasing beautiful and creative gardens, we shine a light on local non-profits working hard to make our community a better place, and donate the net proceeds from the tour, about $25,000 each year, to those non-profits whose goals fit our mission—to promote horticultural-based interests, education, and artistic endeavors. Our all-volunteer organization is driven to provide them the funds they need to continue their important missions and create an exciting and enriching garden tour experience to our supporters.
For 25 years, we have found joy in growing community and all of this is made possible by you—our ticket buyers, and the generosity of many sponsors and donors. From the bottom of our heart, we thank you for supporting the West Seattle Garden Tour and hope to see you next year during our 2021 West Seattle Garden Tour.
No more speculation whether schools will reopen to finish out the school year – they won’t. That’s the biggest story in this edition of our nightly roundup:
GOVERNOR SAYS, NO IN-PERSON SCHOOL BEFORE FALL: Governor Inslee and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal made the announcement at mid-afternoon – schools will stay closed for the rest of this school year. But schools still need to educate their students, they made it clear. Here’s our coverage, with video of the announcement, plus Seattle Public Schools‘ concurrently issued statement.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s Seattle-King County Public Health news release:
3,331 confirmed positive cases (up 164* from yesterday)
220 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, King County reported 2,330 cases and 150 deaths.
SO HOW ABOUT THE PROJECTIONS? At least one set has been revised downward. (That tweet was later followed by this Seattle Times story.)
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
ALIGNING THE DATES, AND MORE: Multiple city announcements today revised potential end dates for closures to align with the governor’s extension of “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” through May 4th. One was from the mayor. From the announcement:
The Mayor’s Executive Order extends the following policies until May 4:
Closure of City facilities including public-facing counters, Seattle Public Library locations, and community centers and Seattle beaches;
Suspension of City-permitted events, with the exception of farmers markets which will continue to be for a potential re-opening;
Suspension of enforcement of paid parking requirements on City streets and enforcement of select hourly time limits outside no-parking or special zones; and
Continuing the Utility Discount Program’s self-certification pilot program.
The Mayor’s Executive Order extends the following policies until further notice:
Suspension of enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule, and suspension of booting and towing vehicles with unpaid parking tickets;
Creation of temporary restaurant loading zones, and temporary parking zones for hospital and human services staff; and
Flexible payment plans and shutoff policies for City utilities.
ALSO ALIGNED: The Seattle Public Library‘s facilities remain closed at least until May 4th, but Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner reminds you of the other ways you can access SPL services.
MORE CITY NEWS: SPD and SFD posted info on how their staffs are affected by COVID-19.
TONIGHT’S FINAL WORDS: Saw a lot of chalk art while out walking today. This pic, however, came in via text, seen in Admiral:
Props to the poet for that adaptation.
GOT INFO? PHOTOS? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Both the SPD and SFD blog-format websites have just published updates on how COVID-19 has affected their staffing. First, from SPD Blotter:
Seattle Police Department (SPD) employees in either Quarantine or Isolation: 50
SPD employees who have returned to work based on Public Health guidelines: 194
SPD employees who have tested positive for COVID-19: 6
SPD employees who have been tested at our First Responder testing site, but tested negative for COVID-19: 87*
* denotes an approximate number
And from Fireline:
Members currently in quarantine or isolation: 29 members
Total number of SFD personnel impacted since the beginning of tracking COVID-19: 88 members
Total number of SFD personnel who have completed their 14-day quarantine and returned to work: 59 members
Testing:This includes those who have received testing at the site designated for first responders and those who have shared their results from testing conducted at a private physician.
Total number of known SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19: 16 members
Total number of SFD personnel with a negative test results at first responder testing site: 58 members
Total number of SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered: 1 member
Neither post includes by-precinct or by-station information.
2:37 PM: You can use the window above to click into TVW‘s live feed of Governor Inslee‘s media briefing, at which he is expected to be joined by the state’s superintendent of public instruction, Chris Reykdal. We’ll publish notes while the briefing’s in progress.
He starts by announcing there will be no in-person school for the rest of this school year. But “if you’re a senior in good standing, we expect you will receive your diploma this year.” He says at least 13 states have already closed their schools for the rest of the year. Distance learning WILL continue, Inslee makes clear. “Together we will ensure that learning continues in the state of Washington,” he says.
He also says they MIGHT be able to consider graduation ceremonies, depending on how things go.
Seattle Public Schools has just sent a statement:
Following today’s emergency proclamation by Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Seattle Public Schools will not reopen its school buildings for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
While buildings remain closed, the work by SPS educators to provide continuous learning to students will continue.This continuity of learning includes a variety of methods and channels used by educators to teach their students, some of which include:
• Learning packets distributed weekly
• Teacher-led video lessons distributed on our social media channels, SPS-TV and by our broadcast partners
• Online instruction when possible
• Telephone contact“This is how we ‘do school’ now – remotely, with families as co-educators and partners,” said SPS Superintendent Denise Juneau. “Never has family engagement been so important and we’ll all have to work at this together with patience and understanding.”
In addition to the continuity of learning, SPS will continue to provide other supports and services, including meal distribution from the SPS Nutrition Services team.
SPS will be providing additional information in the coming days about what the extended closure means for staff and students, including information about graduation for seniors and information for students receiving specialized services.
For more information about the SPS response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, please see our website page, “Seattle Public Schools Coronavirus Response FAQ.”
2:45 PM: Reykdal speaks now:
He says it could be disastrous if in-person school resumed too soon – one case would shut down a school and disrupt many. He says this is also already touching off conversations and considerations about what fall will or should like. He also says that connectivity must be improved, as much of a right “as clean water.”
2:52 PM: Now to Q&A with reporters. The governor says, “We have not reached the peak of this pandemic.” He stresses that even when the rate of fatalities goes down, “we have to be intensely committed … to all that we’re doing.” Another question is about the state’s data lag regarding hospitalizations; the governor says he’ll look into it. Asked about the ventilators the state is sending back to the federal stockpile, he says they were requested when the caseload was predicted to double every week, “and that’s not occurring.”
In response to another question, Reykdal confirms that the proclamation closes ALL schools – public, private, charter. … Regarding educational equity, Inslee repeats something he said during opening remarks, that on-site education might be possble for some students “with profound challenges.” … Asked about a pass/fail model, Reykdal says they’re working with higher-education institutions to ensure that grades and transitions aren’t harmed for high-school students. … How many students in the state still don’t have connectivity? Reykdal says that data is being collected now.
3:15 PM: Briefing’s over. The video window above should soon provide access to the recorded version, so we’re leaving it up.
It’s been three weeks since hair salons and barber shops were completely shut down by the governor’s health order that also required restaurants and beverage businesses to shift to takeout/delivery. This morning, our friends at Capitol Hill Seattle Blog report that the Rudy’s Barbershop chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is seeking permission for a sale. Read the full CHS coverage here; CHS reports documents show Rudy’s was “struggling” even before the COVID-19 shutdown. Next month marks five years since Rudy’s opened a West Seattle location in The Triangle, at 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW.
Along 59th SW in Upper Alki, south of SW Admiral Way, those signs of gratitude have sprouted along the embankment that divides the road. Above is what you see if you’re headed north; below, the individual signs along the southbound side:
If you couldn’t read all the signs in the video clip – bumpy road! – they thank doctors, first responder, transit, truckers, janitors, lab techs, teachers, and retail workers, while the signs in the individual photos thank nurses, delivery drivers, all clerks, farmers, EMTs, restaurant workers, and volunteers.
P.S. Thanks to Tom Rasmussen, West Seattle-residing former city councilmember, for the tip!
On this 38th day since the first King County coronavirus case was announced, here’s our nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health news release:
3,167 confirmed positive cases (up 269* from yesterday)
208 confirmed deaths (up 8 from yesterday)
*Many of the new cases being reported today were diagnosed in days prior and do not necessarily represent a spike in new cases. 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.
2 MORE NEARBY DEATHS: Looking at the county data dashboard, two local zip codes now have 2 deaths each – 98106 and 98126. 98136 and 98146 are still at one death each, and 98116 is at zero.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
HERE’S A REALLY IMPRESSIVE NUMBER – 400: That’s how many ventilators Gov. Inslee says our state is giving back to the federal stockpile because other states need them more. A quote of note from today’s announcement:
“I spoke with the governor after conferring with the Washington State Hospital Association to determine what help Washington could offer other states,” said Vice Admiral (ret.) Raquel Bono, M.D., Director, Washington State COVID-19 Health System Response Management. “Thanks to the mitigation efforts the governor has put in place and the cooperation of Washingtonians, we have seen fewer infections in our communities than anticipated. Our current status allows us to help others who have a more immediate need.”
But don’t get complacent, the announcement also warns:
It is important that Washingtonians continue to stay home, wash hands and maintain physical distancing. The data shows that current community mitigation strategies are working to slow the spread of COVID-19, and must be sustained to ensure Washington’s continued success.
ANOTHER WAY YOU CAN HELP: Today’s county update is spotlighting the importance of donating blood, if you are able to.
SPEAKING OF HELPING: As announced tonight, 5 local restaurants are donating 200 “oven-ready” meals to people who need them, starting tomorrow. (We also previously noted another restaurant is giving away sack lunches tomorrow.)
WHILE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT FOOD … An update tonight from West Seattle Farmers’ Market management – they’re hoping a plan for “extremely modified” operation will get the mayor to reconsider her order closing markets (which came before the governor’s order declared them “essential”).
GOT A PHOTO? INFO? TIP? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Even when the going gets tough … generous local independent businesses still keep giving. This =announcement is just in from the proprietors of West Seattle restaurants Peel & Press, West 5, The Bridge, Mission Cantina, and The Westy:
The owners of the above-named businesses will be preparing over 200 individual meals available to medical personnel, seniors, and those who have lost their jobs due to the current economic realities of the Coronavirus.
These meals will be packaged and ready to place in a home oven to finish. With the donations from vendors, owners, and generous customers, we will be able to produce meals for this week and next week to help bring some stability to those in need.
Product Availability
30 of the meals will be giving to the West Seattle Senior Center for delivery. The remaining meals will be available for pickup on Monday starting at 4 pm at Mission Cantina in Admiral (2325 California SW), West 5 in the Alaska Junction (4533 California SW), and Peel and Press in the Morgan Junction (6503 California SW).
Last week, we published reader photos of West Seattle Farmers’ Market vendors who had set up tents for pre-order pickups in what looked like an unofficial mini-market of sorts. Today, we went through The Junction at noon to see if there was a rerun; there wasn’t – the only sign we saw of vendors was one truck parked on the east side of California, one van on the west, no tents/booths. Tonight, we have an update from Jennifer Antos, executive director of Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets, the nonprofit that runs WSFM and others:
Dear West Seattle Blog Community,
The Neighborhood Farmers Markets recently shared a Community Update intended to clarify that farms, food, and farmers markets have been deemed an “essential business” by Governor Inslee, and what we are doing to modify our operating plans as we work in partnership with Seattle King County Public Health and the City of Seattle to re-open the markets.
Prior to the mandated closure of the farmers markets by the City of Seattle on March 13, we had modified our operations and will continue to act to ensure the safest access to fresh, nutritious food from local producers. While the closure of the markets has afforded us a chance to revise our operations for everyone’s safety, it is important to note that the Neighborhood Farmers Markets, farmers markets across Washington State, and agricultural producers are designated as an “essential business.” A full list of essential businesses including farmers and farmers markets is located here. Direct-to-consumer farmers are no exception, and while the markets are suspended, all have pivoted to conduct business while adhering to public health mandates, city, and statewide orders.
While farmers markets are often social spaces, it is important not to confuse this as the primary purpose. Our commitment is to farm and food-only markets that support Washington’s small family farms, food access for all, and the direct connection between people and their food. In 2019, farmers markets across Seattle processed over half a million dollars in SNAP/EBT and Fresh Bucks, donated thousands of pounds of food to local food banks like the West Seattle Food Bank, and enabled fresh food purchases subsidized by WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
We are in constant communication with the City and Public Health to create plans that ensure strict distancing, sanitation, and health measures are the premise. Though we do not yet have a date for when the markets will re-open, we are actively communicating these measures so that everyone is prepared for the markets to re-open – shoppers, vendors, and our community. It is important that shoppers know farmers markets will be extremely modified upon re-opening. We will be banning the public from touching produce, encouraging pre-paid orders, requiring gloved staff select and bag product, increasing distance between vendor booths, and providing demarcation for shoppers to increase social distancing. We are exploring a possible expansion of market footprints and/or limitation of the number of shoppers at any one time, which may be different at each market site. A summary of measures can be found in the Community Update here.
Speaking on behalf of all NFM farmers, producers, and staff, we appreciate of the enormous amount of support we’ve received in our work to re-open farmers markets. We submitted the public letter of support to our partners with over 1,500 signatures and remain as committed as ever in our mission to strengthen Washington’s small farms as we feed Seattle. This month, we will launch a fundraising campaign to support farmers affected by the market closures and hope to exceed our goal of $250,000. Those interested in donating can do so here.
And if anyone is seeking to order products or food directly from the farmers who typically attend the West Seattle Farmers Market, you can find a list of options on our homepage.
Today was the fourth marketless Sunday since the last one (March 8th) before the mayor’s order.
A quiet day, as we start the sixth week since King County’s first confirmed case of COVID-19:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health news release:
2,898 confirmed positive cases (up 111 from yesterday)
200 confirmed deaths (up 14 from yesterday)
One week ago, the numbers were 2,077 cases and 136 deaths. No additional deaths in local zip codes, per the COVID-19 data dashboard.
TOP HAT QUARANTINE/ISOLATION SITE NOT OPEN YET: The county’s daily update says 38 people are in quarantine/isolation facilities, but none at the Top Hat (east of White Center) site, because it’s not open yet – maybe next week.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 7,591 cases, 310 deaths; other state stats are here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them – nation by nation – here.
SATURDAY SHOPPING: For the past three Saturdays, we’ve started the day’s coverage with a grocery-store update. Commenters have shared their stories every week – here are the ones that came in today.
DRIVER LICENSE EXPIRING? If that’s happening soon, don’t worry – you get a 90-day extension.
STUDENTS’ FUNDRAISER: South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) United Students Association president Krisna Mandujano emailed to let us know about this student-created crowdfunding campaign:
As students, we are supporting undocumented folks amidst this crisis. This is not a non-profit effort, it’s simply a couple of students coming together to help undocumented folks.
We’re currently at 34,000 dollars but our goal is 50,000. We have 369 requests from folks in need of assistance. Unfortunately, our funding is limited and we need more momentum to increase donations.
Families are in urgent need. Pregnant women, elderly folks, single mothers/fathers will benefit from our organizing efforts.
If you can help, here’s how.
GRATITUDE: We don’t get to spend much time on social media, but during a quick check, we just spotted this (thanks for the tag):
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
Two more independent small West Seattle businesses are helping the community in unique ways:
CAFE MIA: This breakfast/lunch bistro in The Junction has stayed open for takeout but it also providing free food to those in need – this Monday, free sack lunches will be available, no questions asked. See this Instagram post for the number to text if you want one (or more) – or if you are interested in donating to help Café Mia cover the costs.
EVERGREEN TANG SOO DO ACADEMY: This martial-arts studio is about to launch an 8-week fitness challenge, with 3 online workouts a week, that’s also a fundraiser for other local independent businesses. It starts on Monday but there’s still time to sign up. Here’s the flyer (PDF) for “Kicking Coronavirus Out of Seattle”; here’s the signup page.
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