By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The former Haymaker space (4706 California Ave SW) in The Junction will reopen, possibly mid-2026, with two new food options, both franchises owned by the Kirkland-based Keshap Group. Sana Keshap has confirmed to West Seattle Blog what permit documents seemed to suggest last month when we first reported on a “leased” sign in the window: that Dave’s Hot Chicken will take up the lion’s share of the space. The balance will go to another of the Keshap Group’s franchises, Gong Cha, purveyor of teas including boba.

“Our goal is to open them at the same time,” says Keshap, who is managing the build-out of Dave’s locations around the Pacific Northwest. Her sister Prachi is heading up the Gong Cha franchise locations, the first of which opened last Friday, not coincidentally right across the street from the group’s first Dave’s location on Capitol Hill at 12th and Pike.

Having the two franchises in close proximity is something Keshap thinks will be a natural combination, given the menus. “You have hot and spicy chicken and then you get a milky bubble tea, the sweet treat after having something spicy.” She says they plan to see how that synchronicity plays out both on Capitol Hill and in West Seattle as the Keshap Group plans as many as 15 Dave’s in Western Washington from Olympia to Bellingham and 50 Gong Cha locations across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Why West Seattle? Keshap says that in the time since the Capitol Hill location has been open, she’s talked with many customers who said they’d driven there from the peninsula and would love to see a location closer to home. Then it turned out that the owner of the building that includes the Haymaker also owns a building in Ballard where the Keshap Group has a Papa John’s. Having a space large enough for both franchises, fans in the neighborhood and a known landlord were all signs to move forward. “They’re excited to work with us,” she said, and agreed to a 10-year lease.

Keshap sees the two shops bringing energy and new food options to the Junction in a location that already attracts the kind of people who are their customers, with Easy Street Records just across the street. “I don’t think there’s any fried chicken concepts out there. [Dave’s has] a young, fun, funky vibe. It just fits the Seattle vibe very well.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken will be on the north side of the space, with Gong Cha on the side facing the walking path to the south that goes through to the alley. Keshap Group will seek a single contractor to build out both spaces concurrently.

Still up in the air is the open hours for both stores. Keshap says the group tends to keep hours consistent throughout their franchises, but they have adjusted their first Dave’s location based on demand. On Capitol Hill that means opening at 10 am each day, and closing at 2am except Friday and Saturday, when they’re open until 4 am. “So is there a demand for that late [in West Seattle]?” she asked. “I’m not sure yet.”

Keshap says the next Dave’s Hot Chicken to open will be in Redmond on October 30th, followed by Tacoma in December and Federal Way in January. A location in Puyallup is also in the works for 4th quarter of 2026. Gong Cha has more than 2,000 locations worldwide.

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Turning the wheels of justice a bit faster: Prosecuting attorney promises 1-month case reviews

October 8, 2025 12:28 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The process that determines whether someone is charged with a crime can move slowly. First step is whether law enforcement sends the case to prosecutors for possible charges. Then, prosecutors’ decision on whether to file charges. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion (a West Seattleite) announced this morning that the latter step will be completed within a month – from the announcement:

King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion is announcing that, as of October 1, 2025, adult felony and all juvenile cases referred by law enforcement to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are subject to a 30-day review timeline to determine whether charges will be filed. The 30-Day Case Review, which is now in effect, has never been attempted in this way in the history of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which spans more than 135 years.

“Making charging decisions within 30 days is part of our commitment to improve the aspects of the justice system that are within our control,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. “The 30 Day Case Review is better for victims, law enforcement, defendants and our community – who should expect their government to continue raising the bar on service delivery. I want to commend the dedicated public servants in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office who made this change possible and whose ongoing efforts will continue to deliver thoughtful responses.” …

… Under this new policy, King County Prosecutors will communicate a filing decision – whether the case will be filed (charged), declined, used as part of another case, or if the law requires additional evidence from police investigators – within 30 days of law enforcement referral. The result is everyone in King County will have greater certainty in receiving a response from the justice system – and in what timeframe. Victims will know what to expect faster after experiencing harm, law enforcement will see the results of their investigations faster, defendants will have more timely notice of whether they are facing charges, and the community will have more confidence in the justice system’s response.

This does not mean more cases are being dismissed, nor does it create a spike in new case filings. Cases will continue to be reviewed thoroughly for sufficient evidence or investigative follow up. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has been working toward this point for months, and for years has consistently filed between 20-30 felony cases daily. The 30-Day Case Review Policy, which is now in effect, has never been attempted in this way in the history of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which spans more than 135 years.

Research suggests that a more certain response – i.e. the risk of being caught – plays an important role in deterring crime. In other words, issuing swifter consequences from the justice system can help increase the impact of those consequences….

You can read the full announcement here. Note that this just involves the prosecutors’ part of the process … law enforcement agencies might still take longer than a month to get a case to them.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Truck driver hits hydrant, pole at 15th/Roxbury

October 8, 2025 10:20 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:20 AM: Avoid 15th/Roxbury – a truck driver is reported to have hit a utility pole and hydrant, and dispatch says “water is flooding the streets.” Video sent by a reader shows water indeed is gushing from the hydrant.

10:37 AM: An officer just told dispatch the trailer has a blown-out tire, so it’s likely to be there a while.

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Arbor Heights sidewalk tour, Chief Sealth IHS dine-out fundraiser, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

October 8, 2025 9:58 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Robert Spears, last night)

Here’s what’s happening for your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):

CHIEF SEALTH IHS FUNDRAISER @ PANDA EXPRESS: Get food from/at Westwood Village‘s new Panda Express 10 am-10 pm today and a percentage will support CSIHS. Our calendar listing has the code to use if you’re ordering online; otherwise, just tell them you’re there for the benefit.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The artworks on display are placed all around Southwest Library (9010 California SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 12 pm-8 pm today.

NO AMERICAN MAH JONGG TODAY: Afternoon meetups are still on hold until The Missing Piece reopens in its new West Seattle Junction location.

FREE KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: hosts Roosevelt for slowpitch softball at 3 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

ARBOR HEIGHTS WALKING TOUR: SDOT is leading a walking tour of places in Arbor Heights that might get sidewalks with Transportation Levy funding. Meet at Arbor Heights Elementary (3701 SW 104th) at 5 pm.

ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, new weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! 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).

POETRY AT C & P: PoetryBridge at C & P Coffee, 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project is a seasonal pumpkin luminary. (3400 Harbor SW)

FREE ART CLASS: 6-8 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required, come play!

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting, 6 pm, this time via Zoom – see the agenda here.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: An energetic way to mark the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome, regardless of pace!

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

MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.

TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: You’re invited to sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)

Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? 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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Calling all cake bakers! Fauntleroy Fall Festival contest, Baked classes ahead

October 8, 2025 8:59 am

| Comments Off on Calling all cake bakers! Fauntleroy Fall Festival contest, Baked classes ahead

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Two announcements for West Seattle cake bakers!

(WSB photo, cake-contest entries, 2023)

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL CONTEST: The cake competition – and a fun way for festivalgoers to win a cake – is just a week and a half away! The announcement is from Emer:

The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is on Sunday, October 19th at the Fauntleroy YMCA, Church Parking lot and surrounding community spaces, from 2-5 pm.

We will be accepting fall themed cakes by noon that day in the Vashon Room at the Hall.

The cakes will be entered in beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories. Please provide your name and contact details so we can notify you in case of winning.

-Voting will be from 2-3.
-Votes will be tabulated from 3-3:30
-Winners will be announced at 3:30 and from there we will jump into the Cake Trot. Cakes will be given away to Cake Trot winners.

Questions can be directed to fauntleroyfallfestfood@gmail.com

And while we’re talking cakes …

DECORATING CLASSES AT BAKED: The nationally recognized custom cake creators at BAKED in the Admiral District are ready to teach you their decorating secrets! They’ve announced three weekend classes this fall – the registration links, dates, and info are all here.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

October 8, 2025 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today is partly sunny, chance of rain, high around 60. Sunrise will be at 7:18 am; sunset, at 6:33 pm.

ROAD WORK

–59th SW in Alki may still close intermittently because of the school-construction project, so be prepared for possible detours.

-“Natural drainage” construction closing the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – WSF continues two-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Issaquah, because of a boat breakdown on another route, and today will run M/V Cathlamet as an unscheduled third boat. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any other changes.

Water Taxi – Today, regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule; Friday night (October 10) is the last night this season of planned later-night service.

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

STADIUM ZONE

-Though the Mariners‘ fourth American League Division Series game is at Detroit, T-Mobile Park is hosting a big-screen watch party, so you’ll see midday traffic (game starts just after noon our time).

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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