50 Replies to "UPDATE: Here's what we know about West Seattle participation Friday in support of 'national shutdown' - closures, donations, more"

• Workdowntown January 29, 2026 (3:55 pm)

  I understand and support the thoughts here but not sure it helps local business. Tom Douglas is staying open but donating some proceeds to Minneapolis. 

  • West Seattle Mad Sci Guy January 29, 2026 (4:55 pm)

    Why would you think this is intended to help local businesses?

    • Workdowntown January 29, 2026 (6:13 pm)

      Tom Douglas is a Seattle icon. 

  • WSB January 29, 2026 (7:13 pm)

    There is a separate Seattle-area restaurant fundraiser too – maybe he’s part of that. Three local venues are listed as participating in this and we’re gathering information on what days they’re participating and how, as it seems to be a freeform sort of event.

• Kilgore Trout January 29, 2026 (4:19 pm)

  Another stupid idea from the stupid idea factory.  Who does this help?  How does this help?  The answers are Nobody and It Doesn’t.

  • saraalki January 29, 2026 (7:32 pm)

    How about using your brain? You don’t like something….dont participate. Easy! No one wants your help anyways. We know where you stand. 

    • I Prefer Animals January 29, 2026 (11:15 pm)

      @saraalki – Agree!!!

  • ITotallyAgreeWithYou January 30, 2026 (10:31 am)

    @Kilgore Trout- if only there was an article answering both of those question… 

• Lauren January 29, 2026 (4:25 pm)

  Fully support. Made sure to do any necessary shopping today so we’re good to go tomorrow. Stay strong, neighbors!

• Lucy January 29, 2026 (4:56 pm)

  Do the employees get a paid day off?  

  • Pegasus Book Exchange January 29, 2026 (11:12 pm)

    Our store is fully paying all staff scheduled for Friday :)

    • Kristina January 30, 2026 (7:47 am)

      Man I love you guys. 

    • Kris January 30, 2026 (12:03 pm)

      This is the way to do it. I will be in some time this weekend to buy some books from you.

• Matt January 29, 2026 (5:02 pm)

  Easy Street will be open. We stand w Minneapolis and will be donating 10% of sales to Immigrant Law Center MNWe are a place that ppl need in times like these. Music, coffee, food, counter culture…I also don’t think it’s fair that ppl lose hours, income, livelihood. Shutting down commerce, retail, restaurants hurts our economy even more. It’s not fair to our UPS and Fed Ex drivers who have boxes and packages to unload, but we aren’t here to receive. As u know, Easy Street had closed/boycotted and stood up for causes in the past. We’ve even rallied, led the charge, and helped to organize protests and marches. U might recall https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/photos-video-west-seattle-junction-fills-with-sea-of-protesters-affirming-black-lives-matter/I’d like to see us do something more direct and meaningful to and for those at the ground level @immigrantlawcentermn

  • K8 January 29, 2026 (6:04 pm)

    There are plenty of ways to add to the collective resistance voice/energy tomorrow. I am an independent consultant and I have to work tomorrow. But, I have found other ways to support the message this is intended to send. General strikes have been incredibly powerful in shaping our country’s progress towards the vision many of us have. Think back to the general strikes during the early 1900’s shaping our laws that protect workers. Also consider the strikes/boycotts curing the civil rights movement. It’s not intended to be a “one and done” tactic. 

  • LJJ January 29, 2026 (6:28 pm)

    It makes complete sense to me that small businesses and local co-ops stay open. Grateful for Easy Street’s example for how to support the movement while staying open. Since Pegasus closes tomorrow, I made an effort to buy from them today, and encourage others to buy from Pegasus on Saturday. And any other businesses that commit to supporting the movement by closing tomorrow! 

  • Kris January 30, 2026 (12:32 pm)

    Matt, I am a freelance contractor, so it’s easy for me to sit here and say “You should have taken the route that Pegasus Books chose, close the store and pay their employees.” However, I will say that Easy Street Records is in many ways the heartbeat of West Seattle commerce. Everyone knows where it is. You provide not only a great selection of music and live entertainment, but also great food. In fact, last Friday a half dozen of us attended an ICE protest at the immigration center in Tukwilla and afterwards I suggested we all get breakfast at Easy Street. Likewise, when I had a touring musician friend visit I took him to Easy Street for breakfast, and the next morning he asked that we get breakfast there again. My point is that Easy Street is a hub, and I believe that so many in our community look to Easy Street as a weather vane, “How’s Easy Street going to deal with this?” Therefore, I was a little disappointed to see that you were not closing your doors during this general strike – Yeah, I get it, it’s really to hit the Amazon’s of the world, but there’s more to it than that. Your store is looked to for some leadership, you have a tremendous amount of power in our special little community, and for you to sit this one out tells everyone else that “it’s ok to sit this one out”. As a country, we’ve moved beyond that. And to say it’s not fair for the delivery drivers who can’t make their deliveries… THEY should definitely be striking today. Imagine if every store they arrived at was closed due to a strike, that’s not a bummer… that’s a wake up call to them, just like your guidance in the junction, all along California, and in all of West Seattle is a message to this community. I love your store, I wear my Easy Street T-shirt often and with joy – it’s got Joe Strummer energy, and I will continue to suggest it for breakfast whenever anyone wants to grab a bite. Maybe it’s easier to see from the outside, but you have great power, and as the saying goes,  with great power comes great responsibility.

• Maari Falsetto January 29, 2026 (6:08 pm)

  Inner Alchemy will be open from 12-4pm for our community to gather.  We will host a 12 minute mediation on the hour (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm), sound healing and support for all who need it.   

  • alice January 29, 2026 (9:06 pm)

    That’s awesome! Way to go, Maari.

• Kate January 29, 2026 (6:22 pm)

  Well said Matt! See you for breakfast tomorrow.  People! Please don’t forget about the people selling art, playing music, serving and selling food at places like Pike Place Market (along with all local small businesses in and around the region- around the whole country, really) WE DEPEND ON YOU EVERYDAY. A lot of Pike Place Market vendors live pay check to pay check and a day without income, or compromised income, can be a big problem. 

• Ron January 29, 2026 (6:49 pm)

  Making donations to organizations helping people affected is  great thing. It’s also a reactive action. A national shutdown is proactive. Financial pressure has been one of the most effective tools. The plan to send federal agents to San Fran was called off after a few CEOs called and said it would be bad for business. Yes a one day will affect businesses and employees but will be minor compared to effect if masses of armed agents are sent to our neck of the woods. The effect of that to businesses in Minnesota has been devastating. 

  • Leslie February 1, 2026 (9:41 am)

    This is a great point and really well put

• Cobra kai January 29, 2026 (7:12 pm)

  Virtue signalling at its finest.  Donating to causes is fine, but please explain how “i went out to buy things the day before so I could participate..” actually helps things??  You aren’t causing a loss of revenue and you aren’t doing without, but I guess it “feels good” so that’s what matters…  same with, “I have to work that day, but I’m with you in spirit..”

• Nitro January 29, 2026 (7:15 pm)

  Yes, my refusal to shop and support my local businesses is going to make a huge impact on ICE activities. ICE sure will be sorry that I’m not buying a record, books or lunch tomorrow in the junction!  Take that, ICE and Federal Government!  All you people thinking you’re sticking it to the man tomorrow need to come out in droves on Saturday and support all of the small businesses you ignore tomorrow. The hardworking staff  will appreciate seeing you so they can pay their bills. 

  • Hmmm January 29, 2026 (8:45 pm)

    My analogy is that we’re in sort of a boxing match between fascism and democracy.  Every time this administration undermines an institution, or invades a city with ICE, or attacks the free press, or vilifies immigrants, it is a punch to democracy.  Every time we fight back with a protest, or by tracking ICE movements, or by conducting a general strike, or by speaking truth to power, we are punching back.  Tomorrow is not going to be a knockout blow, but it will at least be a jab.  Every punch counts.  If your not in the fight, you’re just part of the crowd who may or may not understand boxing.

    • Nitro January 29, 2026 (10:17 pm)

      It’s a swing and a miss. If people want to protest, great. Make your voice heard. If people want to boycott businesses who have been shown to support an idea or institution that you find morally reprehensible, I support that. Boycotting all of our small businesses, who have done nothing wrong is not an effective way to make your point. It’s like hopping out of the ring and punching a spectator.  You’re hurting an innocent person.  

      • Gozer January 30, 2026 (5:12 pm)

        “I support Protest!     Just not like that.”

        ..

        Pretty much the West Seattle Bumper Sticker.

        • Leslie February 1, 2026 (9:42 am)

          lol true

• K January 29, 2026 (7:43 pm)

  There is a demonstration at the Target downtown tomorrow as well.

• AR January 29, 2026 (8:03 pm)

  If you are curious about the value of a “General Strike”, this is worth listening to: https://www.kuow.org/stories/do-general-strikes-work-seattle-history-has-an-answer. The person interviewed more towards the end discusses why/how strikes have been effective throughout history. The strike tomorrow was quickly organized, but there is another one planned  on May 1 (May Day) for the entire country.

  • Scarlett January 30, 2026 (9:15 am)

    I am very familiar with Seattle’s labor history.  A strike has clearly defined parties and objectives and beneficiaries; this “strike” has none of those.  It is a poorly thought-out, confused response to ICE. 

• Mike January 29, 2026 (9:13 pm)

  I don’t get this?  It will most certainly hurt local businesses, which are having a hard time currently, but how will it help to curb ICE activity?  It seems like drinking poison in hopes that your enemies are harmed. Works for those who just want the day off maybe?

• aa January 29, 2026 (10:28 pm)

  There is a great organization across the bridge and they can always use support by donating your time and/or money. El Centro de La Raza. Think globally, Act locally.

• KT January 30, 2026 (6:39 am)

  If everyone in this country would stop using Amazon, facebook, X, etc for one month, everything would change.  Boycotts work.  Think civil right era bus boycott.   But sadly Americns don’t care enough about others to do anything.  We just keep shopping and scrolling.

  • Leslie February 1, 2026 (9:45 am)

    Yes!! How many bad things does Amazon have to do for people to stop. And all big tech is so problematic and part of the problem. There’s a lot of alternatives out there and it’s not hard to make those changes.

• Watertowerjim January 30, 2026 (8:03 am)

  Thanks for listing the companies I will now avoid.My Target, Safeway and Trader Joe’s plans have just been moved up from Saturday to Friday! 

• Mellow Kitty January 30, 2026 (8:04 am)

  Reading the comments makes it painfully clear that some people really need to read a damn history book. General strikes work. Union matches work. Protests work. Boycotts work. You know why you can have a beer after work? Public protests. You know why we have a 40 hour workweek? Public protests and union marches. You know how we got the New Deal to get us out of The Depression? Public protests. You know how we got civil rights for all? Boycotts and public protests. 

  • Jolly Roger January 30, 2026 (9:46 am)

    History can teach us so much!! Mellow Kitty is correct, general strikes have happened in American history and have had a major impact on working conditions and public policies. The article below outlines them:https://jacobin.com/2026/01/ice-minneapolis-general-strike-history

  • T February 1, 2026 (6:52 pm)

    As a black American let me just say a few things. We still don’t have civil rights for all. And it’s a little frustrating to have people compare situations in history by using bits and pieces from it. Black America had the government, the people, their businesses, their schools, their law enforcement, and their klans against us. This is not the same. When our ancestors boycotted and protested, they were attacked, spit on, beaten, and humiliated. 

• ActuallyMike January 30, 2026 (10:37 am)

  Had my shopping list all set for today before I learned about this last night. I’m not sure this hits the fascists quite where they most need hit, but demonstrating solidarity with other non-fascists is important. I can make it another day and get my groceries tomorrow. 

• HS January 30, 2026 (10:58 am)

  After reading the comments I’ll post that this is a general strike. Actions like this matter and are effective. I have postponed my shopping until tomorrow. Personally, I will also be cancelling my Amazon Prime today.

• 2xBaked Chocolate Almond Croissant January 30, 2026 (11:18 am)

  My partner and I are participating, but first and foremost, we acknowledge that IT’S A PRIVILEGE to be able to do so. The people on this forum are aware that there are folx who  have families to feed and need to work today and that local businesses are sometimes hurt by mass actions. So make whatever compromises you need to in order to take action, but our family 1. will not be working, 2. we will be supporting our local businesses on Fri and during the fundraiser (we <3 Bakery Nouveau) , and 3. hopefully rallying with Marjorie if she plans to be out there this weekend. Just like @saraalki said, don’t participate if you don’t agree. But i have to say, it’s truly disappointing that there are members in our West Seattle community that don’t acknowledge that Black and Brown bodies are being abused, violated, deported, and their lives taken at the hands of our federal government. You only take action when they are yt bodies experiencing the same fate and that’s only if you’re not victim blaming them for “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Please face the reality that you’re not safe from this violence either and that’s why we seek to unite our communities. “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!”

• Sister Sage January 30, 2026 (12:22 pm)

  Please support local businesses with cash! And especially the local farms who have experienced flooding no matter what! I kept my booth open at The Pike Place Market today so my employee can get paid and so I could be there for my regular customers. We are donating 10% of our sales to  a collective of medics helping in the streets in MN.Thanks for caring everyone- but remember that cash stays in the community longer and supports local businesses.

• Noah January 30, 2026 (12:49 pm)

  To the folks responding with sarcasm, or saying that this will do nothing, or just hurt local business, I empathize with the powerless feeling behind those words – they are both correct, but also missing a point. A person not buying a book or record for one day does not hurt anyone in power, and yet it is this simple act – the refusal to participate economically, that is the cornerstone of many effective movements throughout history. Its true that we will need long-lasting, coordinated boycotts, but that step comes next. Today’s action, and other “do nothing” demonstrations have a purpose, and there is a real reason to do them first. Today is for us to see our own collective power, to overcome that feeling of powerlessness that defeats us before we even start. Today is to see where our community draws the line (there are a lot of us and we dont always agree on everything) – and begin to organize around a coordinated next step. No one is boycotting the local bookstore – the local bookstore is boycotting “business as usual”. They are demonstrating that they’re willing to put real skin in the game. Lets build momentum, lets pick the next step, the “real” step and f###ing do it, and lets remember that seeing ourselves demonstrate has a real, actual purpose.

  • Kris January 30, 2026 (2:27 pm)

    Well said.

• Mel January 30, 2026 (1:00 pm)

  I would be livid if my child’s school was closed today. Apparently they care more about sending a message than educating.

  • Kris January 30, 2026 (2:28 pm)

    Closing the school for something like this is an education. Your voice matters. Stand up to oppression.

• Lafayette neighbor January 30, 2026 (1:08 pm)

  Kids all over the place in Admiral, they seem to be asking each other what the plan is. 

  • WSB January 30, 2026 (1:20 pm)

    Yes, our photographer reports what he saw of the Madison walkout was scattered, and we have been to two other schools since then, wrap-up to come.

• Gratitude January 31, 2026 (7:07 am)

  Thank you Everyone, for making the choice that was right for you, to support the greater community. Here’s a snippet too, from an Instagram story by @minnesota_neighbors and iceoutoftwinports

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