March 2020

By Jean Godden

During my years as a newspaper columnist and councilmember, I was asked to do a number of odd and interesting things. I served as a judge for contests -- clam-eating competitions at Ivar's and the oyster slurp at Anthony's. I helped pick the "top ten best dishes" for the Taste of Seattle and spotted winners at the Oyster Olympics.

Some of the jobs for which I was drafted were no hardship. I was called into service to pick finalists for the Seattle Firefighters Calendar. I joined a panel starring Actor John Procaccino and Restaurant Critic John Hinterberger to answer the question: "Where's the city's Best Martini?" (Oliver's at the Mayflower Park Hotel won and eventually retired the trophy.)

information from Seattle Public Schools

Precautions and Preparations

Because the paramount priority of SPS is the health and safety of our students and staff, and to ensure we are prepared for all situations, we have emergency procedures in place, including for infectious diseases.

There are no reports of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Seattle Public Schools.

All schools remain open.

Per our procedures, we are working in partnership with Public Health - Seattle & King County as the lead agency in our coronavirus response. We will continue to follow the guidance of public health experts to ensure we are implementing the highest level of precaution and prevention.

Information about why SPS is not closing schools at this time

The impact on business of coronavirus concerns is starting to be felt across multiple sectors and with no end in site, it could be profound. Airlines are reporting drops in passenger traffic by up to 50% projecting a lost of up to $113 billion. The University of Washington has gone to virtual learning until March 20 (and it could go longer). Chinese restaurants in the International District are down by half as well. But the West Seattle business community is responding. West Seattle Junction Association Executive Director applauded the efforts by local business to address the issue and said it was "business as usual" and asked everyone to support local business by continuing to shop and eat locally. There have been no cases of the virus found in the community to date.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey to the members and 32 businesses responded to questions regarding sanitation and employees. Here are their answers.

EIGHT BELLS Open House on Friday 3/13 at 4-6PM: Wine Tasting and VR Event at Quail Park of West Seattle

HomeAgain VR, Eight Bells Winery, and Red Willow Vineyard have teamed up to bring you an experience unlike any other. We will show you a breathtaking VR tour of the scenic Vineyard, followed by a visit to Eight Bells Winery, where we see the grapes being made into wine. It will feel as though you are actually there!

And of course, no visit to a vineyard and/or winery would be complete without a wine tasting! Frank Michiels, founder of Eight Bells, will be there to talk about and pour some of their best wines. The scenery may be virtual, but the wine is 100% real!