(2011 Alonzo family photo: Erich, Anna, and dad Bernie)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Bernie Alonzo has had the tempting smell of fresh-baked bread in his lungs since he was a kid helping in his father’s bakery. When he and his wife, Lorraine, visited friends in West Seattle, they checked out the little bakery for sale in Fauntleroy. Buying it came naturally, and he’s been baking there since 1975.

Now nearly five decades later, he’ll be hanging up his apron on February 26. While tempting pastries, breads, and cookies fresh from the oven have kept people coming back for more, old-fashioned hospitality made The Original Bakery as much community center as business.

In a profile published in 2000 in the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s newsletter, Bernie explained that he was the fourth owner since the bakery opened in 1936 in the Adams Building at 45th Ave. SW and SW Wildwood Place. The founding owner’s name is lost to history, but Bill Latta owned it from the 1940s to the 1960s, then sold it to Florian Dunbar, who sold it to Bernie.

He kept “The Original Bakery” as the name, even though it’s legally “Bakery The Original.” In the early days, small neighborhood bakeries were common, so the deed made clear that this was the original bakery in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business area.

Bernie established a routine of weighing out ingredients the afternoon before so he could start baking at 4:00 the next morning. He opened the door to customers at 7:30, Mondays through Saturdays. Young people needing work experience (including his three children) were often the ones behind the vintage display cases. After three decades of baking alone, daughter Anna Alonzo‘s arrival in 2009 after completing culinary school lightened his load.

As tastes changed over the years, Bernie responded by shifting to healthier recipes. In 2000, he recalled one of the biggest changes.

“I never thought espresso would be such an integral part of our business,” he said. “When we bought the first espresso machine in the 1980s, many people didn’t know what espresso was!”

Bernie looked forward to special orders, somewhat because they varied his routine but mostly because they enabled him to share in birthdays, weddings, or whatever his customers were celebrating. Over the decades he donated countless cakes and cookies in support of whatever good cause sought him out. He also enjoyed giving local artists free wall space in the bakery’s seating area.

Whether making sure customers knew they could sit awhile over their favorite pastries or always baking what people most enjoyed, a big part of what The Original Bakery long offered was constancy in the midst of change.

“You try to survive in business,” Bernie said in 2000, “but having people appreciate you as an important part of the community is a real plus. It’s been a nice reward for me.”

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alonzo kids helped their dad brainstorm how to safely continue to serve customers. His solution was to add a walk-up window and reduce hours. After operating that way for two-plus years, Bernie decided the time had come for him to start sleeping in. With Anna’s top priority being to raise her daughter, she was not in a position to take on the business.

“Since we announced our closing, we have been very busy every day, which is great,” she said. “We have also had an outpouring of good wishes and appreciation from the neighborhood.

“Folks have been bringing cards and saying goodbye and we’ve had former customers come from afar to say best wishes and thank you. It’s been very heartwarming.”

Stop by if you can (9253 45th Ave. SW) before The Original Bakery closes on Sunday, February 26, at 3:00 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Early-morning gunfire

February 17, 2023 5:55 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

A police-report summary made available this afternoon says reports of gunfire early this morning in Arbor Heights were confirmed. 911 callers reported suspected gunfire around 3:30 am. SPD says the reports were of “hearing numerous shots being fired (between 5-8) with one describing it as ‘automatic’ gunfire.” They found “evidence of a shooting” (which usually means casings) in the 3300 block of SW 106th, in the middle of the road. No injuries or property damage reported.

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ELECTION 2023: Veterans, Seniors, Human Services Levy proposed for renewal vote in August

February 17, 2023 4:32 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

This is the last year of the current King County-wide Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, approved by voters in 2017 as the renewal and renaming of the Veterans and Human Services Levy, which was originally passed in 2005. Today, County Executive Dow Constantine announced he plans to ask voters to renew the levy on the August 1st primary ballot. From the one-sheet that accompanied the announcement:

If renewed, the levy will:
• Fund permanent supportive housing, specifically for veterans
• Keep reducing veteran homelessness
• Expand investments in the human services workforce
• Double current funding for senior centers
• Maintain access to counseling and mental health supports for veterans and seniors
• Dedicate King County staff to strengthen resident and resource connections
• Deepen community-centered programming for survivors of gender-based violence

Here’s what today’s announcement says the money’s done since the most-recent vote:

Veterans

-Served more than 27,000 veterans, servicemembers, and their families with fewer eligibility barriers than many federal programs
-Contributed to a 40 percent reduction in veteran homelessness
-Provided more than 260 veterans, servicemembers, and family members with over 15,000 mental health counseling sessions
-Built 234 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families

Seniors

-Funded 39 senior centers across the county
-Served more than 100,000 seniors through expanded senior programming

Build Resiliency

-Launched DVHopeline, a countywide, 24-hour multi-lingual and multimodal domestic violence hotline, that received 16,000 calls or texts and referred nearly 7,000 of those callers to additional support
-Funded mobile advocacy services for more than 1,200 survivors of gender-based violence
Helped build more than 1,000 units of affordable housing and 198 new shelter beds
-Funded 55 agencies with 675 bonuses to support workforce retention

The new proposal would raise $581 million over six years and, Constantine’s office says, would cost the owner of a “median-priced home” $83 a year, at 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which is the same rate as the current version. The King County Council will have to vote by May to get the renewal on the August ballot.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Sign’s up for Dué Cucina West Seattle

February 17, 2023 3:01 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

While in The Junction today, we noticed the sign going up at the future Dué Cucina restaurant (4437 California SW). It’s been six months since we first reported the Italian mini-chain was expanding to the former Ma’ono space. We don’t have a projected opening date yet, but it’s close enough that Dué Cucina has posted a listing in the West Seattle Jobs Offered section of the WSB Community Forums. If you’re curious how they’re changing the interior, they posted a sneak peek video here earlier this month.

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle businesses invited to join in fundraiser for Turkey/Syria earthquake relief

February 17, 2023 1:44 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Twelve years ago, almost 30 West Seattle businesses – and many of their customers – joined in a one-day fundraiser to help Japan recover from the earthquake/tsunami disaster. Now another catastrophic earthquake has taken thousands of lives, this time in Turkey and Syria, and local businesses are again joining forces for a community-led fundraiser. The West Seattle Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce asked us to publish this invitation for businesses to be part of it:

West Seattle supports Syria and Turkey earthquake relief efforts:

Want to join? If you are a business owner in West Seattle, email Chris Mackay at chris@wsjunction.org by end-of-day Monday (February 20th) and let her know you would like to join.

We will be asking West Seattleites to support all participating businesses by patronizing them between Friday, February 24, and Sunday, February 26. The businesses will donate a portion of their sales to AHBAP, a Turkish-run non-profit providing shelter to victims, or to the White Helmets, based in Syria doing rescue and recovery work. Both organizations are locally based and well-respected by the locals.

One Junction business owner who is from Turkey and has family there, YogaSix studio owner Sechil Thornton, says, “So many families have experienced unspeakable heartache with the loss of loved ones and an uncertain future. There are millions of homeless people, many sleeping in tents, schools, parks or their car. Those who were fortunate to be able to flee the cities are now being temporarily housed in hotels. With no timeline, or place to start in trying to rebuild their lives. I believe we must stand with all human beings in their times of need and ensure they receive our support. Which is why we are so grateful and proud to be a part of the West Seattle community showing its support stepping up to aid in relief efforts.”

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VIDEO: 2nd/Michigan encampment status, police updates @ SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council’s February meeting

February 17, 2023 11:49 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Encampment and police updates comprised most of last night’s Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting, plus community Q&A.

The group, chaired by Melody Sarkies, meets monthly as an open opportunity to talk with and hear from police and featured guests. Last night, Tom Van Bronkhorst, a city official who has long been involved with homelessness response, was the guest.

As we reported late last night, he announced toward the end of the meeting that the Harbor Avenue RV encampment is set for another sweep in late February. But he was there mostly to discuss the far-bigger encampment at 2nd/Michigan, near the 1st Avenue South Bridge, following up on the revelation at the last SWPCPC meeting that a sweep had been planned and then called off. Officially, he’s on the Seattle Parks payroll, but he participates in the Unified Care Team meetings at which priorities and planned cleanups are discussed.

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West Seattle Timebank, Kenyon Hall open mic, bird-watching, more for your Friday

February 17, 2023 10:12 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Timebank, Kenyon Hall open mic, bird-watching, more for your Friday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Viburnum at Jack Block Park, photo by Ann Anderson, who says it’s a “natural food source for wintering Anna’s Hummingbirds and certain pollinators”)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Friday!

BEVERAGE FUNDRAISER: All day at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), mention the Genesee Hill Elementary PTA and part of your beverage purchase will be donated. Open until 5 pm.

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: The Presidents Day Weekend Sale is on at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) – get gear and apparel for snow sports, with lots of time left in this year’s season – some items up to 40 percent off! Open until 7 pm. (3602 SW Alaska)

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Seattle Colleges‘ annual event is on Capitol Hill this year but you can attend online – our calendar listing explains how.

SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus is open 1-6 pm Fridays (and Saturdays).

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT: First of two free Seattle Parks drop-in events – Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW), 3-4:30 pm. Our calendar listing explains where to meet up,

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

AFTER-SCHOOL MAGIC LEAGUE: Weekly 4-6 pm event for 12+, $5 per player – learn about and play “Magic: the Gathering” at Meeples Games (3727 California SW)

CAKE POP-UP: Lovely and Dapper Desserts is at The Nook (2206 California SW) tonight, 5-10 pm.

SINGER-SONGWRITER OPEN MIC: Second month of the new monthly open mic at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW). Signups start at 6, music at 6:30, free, all ages.

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Online meeting with a guest speaker talking about “mystery shopping,” 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP for attendance link.

BASKETBALL: Both West Seattle High School teams have must-win district-tournament games tonight at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE) – the boys vs. Liberty at 6:30 pm, the girls vs. Holy Names at 8 pm.

LIVE AT C & P: Dublin Abbey at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) with folk-rock, 7-9 pm. No cover!

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: Third week at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues its final week tonight, 7:30 pm. Get your ticket(s) here.

AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm live music, with The Mrs. Bill Larsons, Student Nurse, Charlie Churchill and the Heathens. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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APPLICATION TIME: West Seattle Junction Association announces city ‘arts and culture recovery’ grant money

February 17, 2023 9:26 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The West Seattle Junction Association wants to make sure you know that city grant money is available for “arts and culture recovery,” with less than two weeks remaining for applications:

The West Seattle Junction Association is pleased to announce a one-time Request-For-Proposal for arts and culture recovery funding for the West Seattle Junction. These funds have been available through the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture and are being distributed through Lead Organizations throughout Seattle.

The funding available through this RFP is for activations or events specifically in the West Seattle Junction that assist in arts and culture recovery efforts with a specific priority to those areas and groups most impacted by COVID pandemic and in alignment with the City of Seattle’s vision of equity, inclusion, collaboration, public safety and resiliency for One Seattle.

The total amount of funding available through this Lead Organization for this designated area is $56,950.

We welcome proposals for projects of all sizes, but requests cannot exceed $20,000, and some awardees may only receive part of their requested amount.

Activations and events can occur any time after an award is made with final reports due no later than September 15, 2023. These contracts are made on a reimbursement basis with deliverables that will be outlined in the contracts. While you may apply to other Lead Organizations for projects in other designated areas, you can receive funding for only one award.

The RFP package includes Guidelines, Application & Budget Template, and is due no later than 5:00pm, February 27, 2023. You will be notified of results after our community review panels completes their rating and funding recommendations and shall be no later than March 15, 2023.

You can apply online here and access documents and contact info at wsjunction.org/arts-culture-neighborhood-recovery-program

The application form also explains more about the intention of these grants and what type of “event or activation” might qualify, as well as qualifications for applying.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend notes, including 35th SW crash

February 17, 2023 6:02 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:25 AM: Crash reported at 35th/Morgan. Camera shows it’s blocking the southbound lanes of 35th north of Morgan:

10:20 AM: A tow truck has arrived. The outside southbound lane is open, so traffic is getting by both ways, but SB is slower going. No major injuries, as no medic unit was dispatched, but we’re checking with SFD.

==========

Earlier:

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, February 17th.

WEATHER

Morning rain expected, then mostly cloudy, high in the mid-to-upper 40s.

WEEKEND NOTES

-From WSDOT:

Saturday, February 18th, 6 am-6 pm
SR 509 northbound on-ramp from Myers Way S. CLOSED
Repairing extensive guardrail damage
Detour to SB SR 509 to Glendale/5th exit and enter NB SR 509 there

–Holiday reminder: Monday is Presidents Day. with some transportation changes, including no Water Taxi service that day. Also, no school Monday (first day of midwinter break for Seattle Public Schools).

TRANSIT TODAY

–Metro is on its regular schedule, but still canceling some trips, operating without some buses, so check notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts.

-Regular schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi.

–Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on a two-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and use Vessel Watch to see where boats are at.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Oregon), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking east to west:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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