(SDOT “live” image from Easy Street’s corner at California/Alaska)
As one WSB commenter put it after the kerfuffle earlier this week over the removal of the Easy Street Records awning (WSB coverage here), the big question was – what next? At the time, ESR owner Matt Vaughan said he didn’t know – it was up to the “landlord,” who was the one who decided to take it down. Vaughan has just posted this update as a comment following our original story:

Thanks all for thinking about us and this corner. I’m looking forward to creating another beautiful corner. We know this corner and intersection is special to all of you, I know that maybe more than anybody and I appreciate your years of patronage and good positive thoughts…even when you’re just walking by “all ways,” of course. So, with that being said …..here is the UPDATE.

It was impossible to know what the corner would look like until the canopy was removed. The landlord didn’t know, I didn’t know. I didn’t think it would look good, I knew that much, but what I did know is that it would present some ideas. The canopy had been on the Hamm Building for almost 70 years. Do keep in mind, maybe the big reason that we all loved this corner was not necessarily just the canopy and overhang, but it was the neon signage and under lighting we attached to it back in ’92 or so. I do understand that the canopy also represented a period of time, another era, childhood memories etc.. and that is also why there is sentiment.

When the Alaska St side awning was removed 3 years ago, there wasn’t a peep and that was even more sq footage than what was recently removed. Without good signage complementing the canopy, there wasn’t much of an allure, especially as the years wore on.

I have to say though and maybe some of you could agree.. these last 5 years have not looked all that good. The canopy took some big hits and our neon was continuously broken and under repair. With that being said, I was a proponent in saving the framework and repairing and improving it, but there were some potential issues and unknown costs going down that road too. I am not the owner of the building, the Yen Family is and has been for 30+ years or so. The property manager is WM Mgmt. Neither live in West Seattle, so they may not understand some things we do as residents and inhabitants of the building, but what they were aware of and why they felt committed to demolishing it was that it was essentially red-tagged. It was becoming increasingly dangerous. Lead paint, loose and exposed electrical, rusted and corroded framework. In the end, as vintage and retro as we all like to imagine ourselves, there comes a time where we have to be practical and pragmatic. This was just one of those kind of decisions that had to be made, as difficult as it was for me to surrender to.

We had originally invested $20k into the signage and neon throughout the 90′s … and that doesn’t include the annual repairs over the ’00 years, but retro-styled neon is becoming an old form and more costly as the years go on. As for why I didn’t save any of it, it was just too costly to do so. Neon is brittle, it was literally attached to the flashing and trim, would’ve been an expensive and tedious job.

Keep in mind, when I closed our Queen Anne store, that signage was considered “iconic” as well. It wasn’t really all that special of a building we were in, but we made it seem as though it was. I paid $3k to have it removed before I left the building, I couldn’t let it get demo’d.

The landlords think the storefront looks best without a canopy and they’ve told me as of yesterday that they will not invest in a replacement. However, I need to protect my storefront, I need to allow customers to sit outside our cafe in the spring/summer months, I need to protect our product from the elements during our sidewalk sales. I need to protect all of you when our instore performances spill outside the garage store, I need to ensure that people don’t slip and fall in front of our store during the rainy months, we’ll need sidewalk lighting for passerby’s and our storefront. I need to protect our storefront from the sun, the heat, the rain, the sleet, and snow. The maintenance would be overwhelming without protection, so…I will be putting a design together and will invest in creating an attractive corner…again.

Faithfully Yours, Matt Vaughan

You may have noticed that after a decade “Gail Ann has left the building.”

Gail Ann opened her photography studio some 11 years ago after noticing a for rent sign in the brown brick building known as the Fauntleroy Shopping Center just up from the Fauntleroy Ferry dock. Locals could always find entertainment value in her window displays featuring local families. Many of you have been photographed by her at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival where she has volunteered her services since its inception or seen her at local auction events capturing candids for posterity.

Says Gail Ann “The studio may be closed but I’m open for business! I’ll be on a short hiatus traveling through Poland. I’ll be back to work in June and look forward to working with all of you again.”

Gail Ann can still be reached at 206-371-0585 or by visiting her blog.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s been battered over the years, but not broken. Now, though, Easy Street Records‘ famous neon-decorated awning is coming down.

Half gone already, as of a little while ago, when we took these photos, and the demolition crew is still on the job.

It was more than half a century old, according to Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan, and it’s a wonder it lasted this long: Almost three years ago, a truck hit a tree, which in turn took out part of the neon. At the time, Vaughan commented via Twitter that the neon had only just been fixed from the last time it was affected by truck trouble. (We’re not sure if that was the 2008 incident on which we also reported.) But overall, we were told at the store this afternoon, the awning was just flat old and rusty.

Beloved just the same – news of the awning’s imminent removal caused an uproar on Facebook this afternoon – as of this writing, 133 comments on Easy Street’s page, and more than 45 comments on the WSB Facebook page, where we had shared the ESR update.

Some concerned commenters asked if the awning could get protection from the city’s historic-preservation authorities. Short answer – Not without the building having landmark status. When the city inventoried local properties several years back, it offered the opinion that the Hamm Building – the 1926 home to Easy Street and other businesses – might merit that protection. To our knowledge, that hasn’t been sought. City records even show a demolition/development proposal dating back to 2007, though it doesn’t appear to have advanced from the early stages.

As for what if anything will replace the awning, ESR isn’t sure yet, they told us when we first inquired this afternoon. But one thing’s for sure – many West Seattleites, most of whom probably haven’t even heard of its in-progress removal, will miss it – as the understory of the sign that stands over the awning so often offering messages reflecting the community mood, even simple holiday greetings like the one in our November 2009 photo:

We’ll follow up to see what happens from here.

1:48 AM UPDATE: Thanks to Dennis for sending photos of the California SW-side removal:

And that side of the building, awningless:

The famous marquee remains:

ADDED TUESDAY: Thanks to WSB’er Datamuse for pointing out in comments that Easy Street’s website has this expanded statement on the awning situation.

Benefit-barbecue season is off and sizzling at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) – we caught Michele at the grill between burger batches this afternoon; the barbecues are a Thriftway tradition, benefiting local nonprofits, and today the proceeds are going to West Seattle Helpline. You have until 4 or so to stop by for yours, if you haven’t been there already!

Getting engaged? Married? Or, just looking for new jewelry art to wear? Award-winning designer Karen Konzuk has you covered, and until 5 pm today, you can meet her, as we did, at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, where her engagement and wedding rings are debuting, with her line of concrete jewelry. (Click! is at 4540 California SW.)

Thanks to Cathie for asking about “heavy equipment” in the northwest corner of the West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) parking lot, then reporting a chat with construction workers yielded the news a freestanding ATM was on the way. We subsequently checked the city permit files, which reveal that it’s going to be a Bank of America ATM.

The breakfast is 7:30-9 am Thursday, June 6th, at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor). May 20th is the deadline for reservations ($50/person, 10-person table for $450). Here’s what the Chamber wants you to know:

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, with Nucor Steel as Presenting Sponsor, will host the 2013 Annual Westside Awards Breakfast to celebrate the incredible business environment and community involvement found only in West Seattle. The Westside Awards Breakfast honors three local businesses and one individual who demonstrate success and innovation that contribute to this thriving economic region. The Keynote address will be delivered by Randy Gardiner, 2012 Seattle Business Magazine Manufacturing Executive Award Winner and CEO of Red Dot Corporation. Please consider attending, sponsoring and/or nominating for an award.

We invite Chamber Members and the public to attend the Breakfast to celebrate the honorees, learn more about the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and network with other business owners and community members.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for the West Seattle business community, building strong inter-organizational and public-private relationships, networks and resources. We focus on the sustainable economic growth of a diverse, viable business community on the Greater West Seattle Peninsula. Chamber members enjoy benefits including networking opportunities, a voice in governmental affairs that impact our business environment such as transportation and regulations and informative programs.

Sponsorships
Local business support is what makes this celebration possible! Your business can be featured at our event through Sponsorships ranging from $500/$1000/$2500/$5000. Contact Nancy Woodland, nancy@westsidebaby.org for more information.

Nominations
We need community input to choose the honorees – please nominate your favorite business, non-profit or community leader by May 8 in one of the categories below. Nominations are accepted on-line in the categories below through the Westside Awards Nomination Form. Please take a few minutes before May 8 to submit the form and help us recognize your favorites. You do not need to be a Chamber Member or business owner to nominate.

• Westside Business of the Year – This nominee has been in business at least 3 years and demonstrated business excellence and success.
• Westside Emerging Business – This nominee business has been in operations for less than 3 years but is meeting the challenges of a growing business through leadership.
• Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year – This nominee non-profit is making our community a better place to live while contributing to community benefit through their mission.
• Westsider of the Year – This nominee is making a lasting impact on our community and the lives of others or is an up-coming community role model.

Past Award Winners have included:

2011 Business of the Year – AmericanWest Bank
2011 Not for Profit – West Seattle Garden Tour
2011 Emerging Business – The Grove
2011 Westsider – Pete Spalding, WS Food Bank Board, various neighborhood and district councils and much more.

2010 Business of the Year- Salty’s
2010 Not for Profit – West Seattle Farmers Market
2010 Emerging Business – Mountain to Sound Outfitters
2010 Westsider – Rick Jump, White Center Food Bank

2009 Business of the Year – West Seattle Blog
2009 Westsider – Coach Colin Slingsby
2009 Community Hero – Nancy Woodland, WestSide Baby

Contact Lynn Dennis, Interim Staff, at info@wschamber.com or Nancy Woodland, Board Member at nancy@westsidebaby.org with questions about Sponsorship or Membership.

Last October, we stopped by Easy Street Records in The Junction to talk with proprietor Matt Vaughan about ESR being honored as King County Executive’s Small Business of the Year. This afternoon, he hosted County Executive Dow Constantine in the Easy Street café for the announcement that it’s time for the next round of nominations:

You can nominate a business with 50 or fewer employees that’s been in business, in King County, for at least three years. For the news release announcing that it’s nomination time (with a link to send in yours), click ahead:

King County Executive Dow Constantine today celebrated the beginning of the nomination period for the 2013 Executive’s Small Business Awards at the West Seattle location of last year’s winner, Easy Street Records.

“I am excited to celebrate our local small businesses for the third year in a row, and I encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply,” said Executive Constantine.

Easy Street Records was the 2012 Small Business of the Year winner, and President Matt Vaughan today helped announce the start of the 2013 nomination period, along with KeyBank business banker Christine Liu, and State and Local Government representative Dean Iacovelli from the Microsoft Corporation.

“One of the great honors Easy Street Records ever received was being recognized as the King County Small Business of the Year. It is a privilege to host and honor the candidates for the Small Business Awards 2013. We recognize the dedication and perseverance it takes to run a small business,” said Vaughan. “If you look around your neighborhood and local community, it is small business that reflects King County’s character and personality. The impact small business makes on our economy is crucial. Please join us in saluting this year’s candidates.”

Businesses are eligible for nomination if they operate within King County, have 50 or fewer employees, and have been in business for at least three years. Cities, chambers of commerce, certain business organizations, and small business owners may nominate local firms that meet the criteria. The nomination form can be found online at www.kingcounty.gov/smallbusinessawards.

“We are proud to join the Executive in applauding small business owners in King County. Small businesses are critical to our economy in both down times and now, more than ever as we continue to climb into recovery,” said Workforce Development Council Chief Executive Officer Marléna Sessions.”They are exemplary in the care they take with training and retaining their workforce.”

The Executive’s Small Business Awards are sponsored in partnership with KeyBank, Microsoft Corporation, the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County, and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County.

An average of 125 firms are nominated each year. Three finalist firms are selected in each of seven categories, and winners are announced at a high-energy, breakfast-hour ceremony attended by nearly 250 people from local chambers of commerce, cities, and small business organizations.

“KeyBank knows that small businesses drive our regional economy and we invest heavily in fueling that engine by lending time, money and effort to help entrepreneurs succeed,” said KeyBank business banker Christine Liu. “Sponsoring the King County Executive’s Small Business Awards for the third year is yet another way we enjoy celebrating the good work being done by small businesses throughout our area.”

The 2013 award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, with appearances from emcee Pat Cashman and the Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline.

“Microsoft is proud to sponsor the third-annual Small Business Awards and to honor this year’s winners who exemplify the creativity and determination of small businesses,” said Dean Iacovelli, Northwest Director for Microsoft State and Local Government. “Microsoft is committed to the success and growth of locally-owned small- and medium-sized businesses. Our business and technology resources enable success for millions of small businesses in the U.S., helping them start, grow and thrive by leveraging today’s powerful and affordable technologies.”

“Small businesses are the bedrock of our regional economy,” said Jeff Marcell, President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County. “The Economic Development Council is once again honored to be a part of this year’s program to recognize small business throughout King County and celebrate their success.”

Last year’s winners were selected by a panel of judges from local jurisdictions and business organizations. Winners receive a glass trophy at a breakfast ceremony attended by hundreds of their peers, a photo with Executive Constantine, recognition in a media release and placement on the King County website for the Small Business Awards.

Winners and finalists from previous years are ineligible for the 2013 awards. The winners and finalists in 2012 were:

2012 Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: Easy Street Records | Seattle
Kenmore Camera | Kenmore
Trophy Cupcakes and Party | Seattle – Bellevue

2012 Minority Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: General Microsystems Inc. | Bellevue
Idea Entity Corporation | Bellevue
Nesby Associates | Renton

2012 Woman Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: Seattle Chocolates | Tukwila
Dynamic Language | Seattle
Global Resource Group | Bellevue

2012 Exporting Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: Enprecis | Seattle
Pacific Metallurgical | Kent
TransNET Inc. | Issaquah

2012 Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: MicroEnergy Credits | Seattle
Natural and Built Environments | Kirkland
Model Remodel | Seattle

2012 Workforce Development Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: Kona Kai Coffee Company | Kent
Thinkspace | Redmond
Thrive | Seattle

2012 Rural Small Business of the Year finalists:
Winner: The Root Connection | Sammamish APD*
Jubilee Biodynamic Farm Inc. | Snoqualmie APD*
Mosby Farms | Upper Green APD*

*Agriculture Production District

WSMA accepts students of almost any age, child or adult (no baby classes as of yet). Many students join us at a very young age and stay on through elementary, middle and high school. Adult students are welcome as from-scratch beginners or to pick up where they left off.

We currently offer lessons in VOICE, GUITAR, BASS, SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, FLUTE, VIOLIN, BRASS and PIANO.

Our summer classes include: ROCK BAND (various levels), GIRL BAND (various levels), RHYTHM GROUP, JAZZ ENSEMBLE, PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC (3-4 yr olds).

Our staff includes: Katie Voss (piano), Matt Benham (guitar), Aaron Jenkins (woodwinds), Birch Pereira (bass,piano, guitar), Nouela Johnston (piano), Heidi Fivash (piano), Coreena Brown (voice), Chara Hokama (violin), Cami MacDonald (piano), Cameron Sharif (piano), Eric Junge (piano), Scott Morning (trumpet), and additional staff for summer classes. Stephanie Hargrave is our trusty office manager. She will help you find just the right teacher to fit your style.

Also in our building at 4214 SW Dakota is Great Start Preschool! Both West Side Music Academy – 206-937-2343 – and Great Start Preschool – 206-779-5299 – encourage you to give us a call and set up an appointment for a free introductory lesson! We look forward to meeting you.

We thank West Side Music Academy 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.

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
As we’ve been mentioning in our daily calendar-highlight roundups, Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor) is spreading its 4th-anniversary celebration over four nights – but tonight’s the actual anniversary; April 25, 2009, is when The Feedback opened the doors for, as the slogan atop its website goes, “people who like their cocktails to rock, their food to rock, and their rock to rock.” GM Bradi Jones is at center with the cake she created; other original Feedback team members in the photo include co-proprietor Jeff Gilbert at right; his co-conspirator Matt Johnson didn’t make it into the shot, too busy at the bar! The Feedback’s home page details what’s up the next two nights as the party continues – including the reunion tomorrow of the Memphis Radio Kings! (As for what will be in store when the Feedback turns five NEXT year, Jeff says it’s something unimaginably huge. You heard it here first.)

More than 40 of your friendly neighborhood Junction merchants have smiles and deals for you today – the West Seattle Junction Association‘s annual 10-percent-off “Tax-Free Day.” For example – in the mood for flowers, or indoor-garden items? Go see proprietor Sam and assistant Devon at Fleurt (4536 California SW; WSB sponsor). As mentioned here on Friday, Fleurt is celebrating Earth Day this weekend too; bring in a planter or vase to recycle and you’ll get a mini-plant in exchange. Across the street, we stopped by Jan’s Beauty Supply:

Alissa, Sheri, and Melanie are there to help you have a beautiful Tax-Free Day – Jan’s merchandise includes jewelry and other items beyond their many lines of personal-care products. Head for The Junction, look for red balloons outside participants’ storefronts (they’re listed here too), and have fun while supporting your local independent businesses (including some food/drink establishments with deals, too).

TAX-FREE DAY: It’s an April tradition – big day of discounts, with participating businesses pledging 10 percent off, to, in effect, pick up the tax bill. The updated list of participants is here – note that along with 10%-off retailers, the list includes food and drink establishments that are offering special deals.

EARTH DAY: Both tomorrow and Sunday, Fleurt (WSB sponsor) is celebrating Earth Day (weekend) by giving you a free mini-plant if you recycle a vase or planter.

RECORD STORE DAY: Always a big day at Easy Street Records, but even bigger this year because their original West Seattle store is now their one and only. Lots of special features during the day – here’s the update they just e-mailed.

(WSB photo: Team member Ariaan at Emerald City Smoothie – West Seattle)
Emerald City Smoothie encourages healthy lifestyles by having a tasty blend of fruits, supplements, and protein in hand. Have particular allergies or diet restrictions? Are you diabetic, vegan, or have an ultimate fitness goal to reach? Emerald City Smoothie offers something for various diverse individuals. We would love the opportunity to meet and serve you!

Our love for Emerald City Smoothie bloomed more than 8 years ago, as we ourselves were repeat customers. We became owners of our first Emerald City Smoothie over a year ago in Covington and not too long after, we fell in love with the West Seattle community and took ownership of our second store inside the West Seattle Athletic Club facility.

As a new customer, you will experience an incredibly friendly, warm, and welcoming experience, with staff eager to help with immediate attention. Repeat customers love the enthusiastic energy that fills the atmosphere, and the personable customer service is worth the visit, not to mention the delicious and healthy smoothies you came for in the first place! Our smoothies are “none compared” to anything else, they’re simply “the best to replace a meal, change up to improve ‘poor’ eating habits, a substitution to coffee in the morning.” Whatever your desire is for coming in, we have something for you!

Emerald City Smoothie is inside the WS Athletic Club at 2629 SW Andover (you do NOT have to be a member to go in!); you can find their hours, menu, and other information online here – and a $1-off coupon on the WSB Coupons page.

We thank Emerald City Smoothie 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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Thanks to longtime WSB’er “k” for photographing the sign installation at West Seattle Vision, taking over much of the former Windermere Fauntleroy space (closed after WF merged offices with Windermere in The Junction) in the 6500 block of California SW. We’d been working on a story but since the sign’s up – here’s what we know so far: It will be a group practice of optometrists, part of the Northwest Eye Care Network. Their opening date isn’t firmed up yet, but we’re told they’re getting close. Their Facebook page includes sneak peeks at the remodeling they have been doing inside the building. We first mentioned an eye clinic was on the way in this March 15 story about the new tenant for the rest of the space – Pet Elements, moving from its original location a block south.