By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Feaven Berhe knows everything won’t be perfect when she soft-opens her North Delridge coffee shop Hagosa’s House this Friday.

But she is excited to start getting the community feedback that will propel her toward that ideal.

“Learning as we go,” she smiles, as we chat in the space formerly known as Pearls, in the 4800 Delridge Way SW building owned for more than a decade and a half by her dad Solomon Tesfu (in the photo above with Feaven) and mom Genet Berhane. To transform it into Hagosa’s House, they’ve brightened the interior in a big way.

As we first reported last week, family is at the heart of Hagosa’s House, which Feaven named for her grandmother.

Her parents are Eritrean immigrants, and their influence will pervade the new café too. Unique features will include Eritrean-style coffee ceremonies, which include roasting the beans just before the coffee is prepared. It’s another way to bring people together, Feaven says, and a way to enjoy the coffee aroma even before it’s brewed. This art on the café’s north wall depicts a coffee ceremony:

Speaking of roasting, Boon Boona will be the coffee source for Hagosa’s House. Feaven says her intentionality guides as much of what she’s offering as possible – with local providers like Harried and Hungry in Georgetown for the sandwiches and salads they’ll offer, and Macrina for the pastries. Again, this is where she plans to start simple and “see what people like.”

And Feaven is excited to be launching this new phase of her life in West Seattle, where she grew up – she even went to elementary school at Sanislo, just up the hill. Her previous career focus was as a “data person” – now she gets to turn the focus on her own enterprise.

Future plans include offering beer and wine – a liquor license will be sought in a few months – and events, maybe poetry and music. “We’re hoping to be here for the community,” Feaven emphasizes. “I love people” – and she’s ready to open a place where they’ll gather to enjoy each other’s company – and “good coffee.”

Hagosa’s House will be open 7 am to 7 pm daily – to start with – at least until and unless the community’s response and feedback suggest otherwise. “Is perfection achievable?” Feaven muses. “We’ll get as close as we can!”

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FOLLOWUP: Restroom report reviewed by City Council committee

February 26, 2025 8:38 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle politics

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Last night we told you about the City Auditor’s report on the state of Seattle park restrooms. This afternoon, that report was presented by the Auditor to the City Council’s Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee, with response from Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The audit details the challenges of providing restrooms that are clean, safe, and open, while reacting to unprecedented levels of vandalism and low staffing levels.

“It’s not an easy thing to keep 129 park restrooms in good working order,” acknowledged Auditor David G Jones. Cleaning has been a challenge, but vandalism has really affected operations, closing restrooms regularly for repairs. “Some restrooms are getting hit harder and more often than others.” He noted that right now 20 restrooms account for 60% of the maintenance. Councilmember Maritza Rivera wondered why there’s been such an increase in vandalism, while Councilmember Robert Kettle asked if there might be ways to use design to deter damage.

Parks Superintendent AP Diaz acknowledged the toll of ongoing damage and arsons, and then offered up some of the ways that it could be reduced. Among other things, he said restroom attendants are now being considered. They would staff high-volume restrooms that are frequently damaged, like Cal Anderson. “We believe that might be a solution for these hotspot areas.”

As they look to replace one park restroom this year following arson, Diaz said Parks staff are looking at approaches like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that Councilmember Kettle mentioned when they design the replacement building. They’re looking at lighting, whether the building is obscured behind trees, etc. “Are there some aesthetic things we can do to improve it?” asked Diaz. He said that it’s essential to focus on design that will discourage vandalism, or “you’re just setting yourself up” for more. Parks is also looking to use more resilient and fire-resistant materials, along with stronger hardware.

(Mural by Juliana Kang Robinson, installed on Walt Hundley Playfield restroom building last September)

Councilmember Rivera mentioned a grant in 2023 that funded murals on 18 park restrooms, and asked if that had decreased tagging at those locations. Parks said it had made a noticeable difference. “That’s something we should grow,” agreed Diaz. “My dream would be to continue that.” But he also said SPR needs “help from the public by treating these places with respect.” Committee Chair Joy Hollingsworth concurred. “It’s on us and the community as well. It takes all of us, not just our parks department.”

Overall, Parks’ response to the audit and plans to improve operations did not draw any criticism from the Councilmembers, but the committee is expecting to receive a full update on progress from Seattle Parks and Recreation a year from now.

See the full briefing and discussion in the Seattle Channel meeting video here.

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FOLLOWUP: What’s next for Admiral Way Bridge project, plus photos

February 26, 2025 8:05 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Another update from SDOT on what’s next for the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project:

Admiral Way SW will return to one lane in each direction this weekend. Over the next several months, there may sometimes be brief periods in which more lanes are open as crews shift between working on different parts of the bridge.

We are continuing to make good progress on construction. Here are some photos showing the work in progress:

Those photos are from the underside of the bridge, over Fairmount Ravine, where Fairmount Avenue remains fully closed to traffic until the project is done, now projected for summer.

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READER REPORT: Post-windstorm hero

February 26, 2025 6:31 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle weather

Christine sent this followup to one of the downed trees noted here during Tuesday’s windstorm coverage, at Walnut and Manning:

Last night, I heard a chainsaw so I walked down to the latest Walnut Ave SW fallen tree. A man was cutting up the tree into firewood size logs.

He said he was on the way home to Gig Harbor and he had the chainsaw in his car from the wind events over there.

I think he had the help of the young neighbor who lives across from the house that almost had a tree fall on it. Very very nice. People could drive around the circle today.

SDOT will need to take down the tree and Seattle City Light will need to fix the wiring.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Submarine and another ship of note (updated Thursday)

February 26, 2025 4:29 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

4:29 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for the photo! Seen from West Seattle late this morning, a submarine and NOAA ship Oscar Dyson, an “ultra-quiet fisheries survey vessel” currently at Terminal 46 downtown. (That’s West Point Lighthouse in the photo.)

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: We sent a note to the Oscar Dyson’s general email address, asking about their Seattle visit, and Commander Emily Rose replied, “The ship is in Seattle for a few more days before heading back to Kodiak after completing some repairs in the Puget Sound area.”

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Midday sighting

February 26, 2025 2:25 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Midday sighting

| Coyotes | Gatewood | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Reader report from Rebecca:

Today around 11:45 am, 36th and Myrtle. Just hanging out, drinking from the puddle. Crows were dive bombing (it)…

That’s right by Myrtle Reservoir Park. Meantime, our standard disclaimer – we publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; here’s expert advice on coexistence.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Next milestone delayed again, on eve of another ‘early acquisition’ vote

February 26, 2025 12:31 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip. Curiosity has run high about how the change of administrations in Washington, D.C., could affect local services that rely on federal funding, and now we have one sign: The federal “Record of Decision” for Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension has been delayed, again. The original timeline was that it could have happened as soon as a month after the ST Board made its final decision back in October about West Seattle light-rail routing and station locations; then the Federal Transit Authority‘s online dashboard showed a new date for the Record of Decision, due in late February, aka right about now – but a reader just pointed us to the federal website link showing it’s just changed again, to late April.

We have questions out to Sound Transit, including how, or whether, that affects work being done now on the project; the project website notes that when it’s issued, for example, final design can begin.

As we reported four days ago, the ST Board’s monthly meeting tomorrow is scheduled to include a vote on expanding the list of properties for which it’s pursuing early acquisition; the additions to the list would include the North Delridge buildings that house Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), Mode Music and Performing Arts, The Skylark, and Ounces, all on the site designated for the Delridge light-rail station. We also reported last week on Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, an ST Board member, issuing an executive order setting up city actions that might speed up the construction timeline.

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ORCAS: Transient killer whales passing this way again (early evening update)

February 26, 2025 12:13 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

12:13 PM: As Kersti Muul observes, we’ve had transient orcas in the area for the better part of three weeks. And now they’re back in view, currently southbound across the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry lanes, she tells us. Let us know if you see them! (And we always appreciate photos.)

5:17 PM: As noted in comments, a big group is now northbound from north Blake Island.

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Academy Schools: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

February 26, 2025 11:28 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Academy Schools. New WSB sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s the message from Academy Schools:

Unlock Your Child’s Potential at Academy Schools!

Looking for a school that truly understands your child’s unique learning needs?

Academy Schools is a small, independent PK-12 school in Tukwila, dedicated to serving both neurotypical and neurodiverse students in a personalized, supportive environment.

Since 1997, we have believed that every child deserves an education tailored to their strengths — because learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. With small class sizes, flexible instruction, and a student-centered approach, we empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our inclusive community supports students with:
-ADHD
-Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Sensory Processing Challenges
-School Trauma & School Refusal
-Anxiety & Emotional Needs

At Academy Schools, we go beyond traditional education — no rigid state mandates, no unnecessary testing — just real learning that meets your child where they are.

Now Enrolling for Fall 2025!

Visit academyschools.org/contact or call us at 206-588-0860 to schedule a visit today.

Academy Schools – Where Every Student Matters.

We thank Academy Schools for choosing to advertise their program by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Call or text 206-293-6302.

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16 options for your West Seattle Wednesday!

February 26, 2025 9:49 am

| Comments Off on 16 options for your West Seattle Wednesday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(This morning – photo by James Bratsanos)

Here’s our list of what’s happening on your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Wednesdays at 10 am, too! Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the shop’s new location. (4522 California SW)

FUNDRAISER CONTINUES: Second day of The Westy‘s dine-out fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe School, whose online auction (open to all) continues too – see this WSB story for details.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, noon-4 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

(This morning – photo by Sandy Widlan)

TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm free drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center). Don’t know much about the WS Tool Library? Learn about it via our West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight!

LEARN ABOUT WAXING SKIS AND BOARDS: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) hosts a 6 pm “Intro to Waxing” clinic tonight – registration info and other details are in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Open invitation to the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW)

FREE GROUP RUN: All year ’round! All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations on our West Seattle list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two places to play on Wednesdays! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … Or, at Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to take the mic and show what you can do? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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