West Seattle, Washington
30 Wednesday
(Photo courtesy CraftLab Seattle)
Back in May, we told you about CraftLab Seattle‘s plan to open a studio on the north edge of The Junction, at 4411 California SW, more than four years after it was founded in a West Seattle home, with classes, workshops, and events around the city. At the time of our story, they hoped to open in mid-September. They’ve now set the date, and they’re not far behind that – this Saturday, October 3, they’re opening with a free community open house, 11 am to 5 pm, including a ribboncutting at noon. They’re offering studio tours, free crafting, and snacks. CraftLab Seattle founder Laura Duris says that “sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at CraftLab” – with projects featuring “upcycled, donated, and thrifted materials from our own community — giving fabric scraps, jars, tiles, paper, and other everyday items a second life as art.” All are welcome at Saturday’s open house, free to attend, but they’re requesting registration here.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Dozens of landlords are telling the same story: They’ve been ghosted and unpaid by West Seattle-based property management company Dwellings Seattle, Inc. in recent months, struggling with the ensuing legal and financial mess, while most live out of state or even out of the country. They have banded together online, filing complaints that are spurring investigations by Seattle Police and other agencies into the principals of the firm that owners say has withheld more than $1 million from them.
By nearly all accounts, Dwellings Seattle Real Estate & Property Management had a stellar reputation for much of the last 10 years, with 5-star reviews and referrals from top real estate agents and word-of-mouth. Looking at online reviews, tenants didn’t always have nice things to say, but complaints from property owners didn’t snowball until 2026. Now the firm’s state real estate license is canceled, its designated broker has left, the balance of its client trust account is unknown, and the company has gone dark. A steady stream of tips from readers alerted WSB to the unfolding situation in recent weeks, some in an effort to recover their own money and others to inform remaining Dwellings tenants and owners, as well as the larger community.
From an office at 3806 California Ave. SW and a website (now essentially nonfunctioning, except for the “pay rent” icon) clients say, Dwellings’ owner and CEO Roland Gonzalez marketed the company as a specialist in higher-end rentals, coaching clients to make improvements that Dwellings in many cases would manage, markup, and charge back to property owners. “We actually put a ton of work into our house through working with Roland, like $80,000,” says Katie Drake. She and her husband own a 3-bedroom home in Seaview built in 1910. “Everything honestly went great. We had absolutely no complaints working with Roland. They really delivered what he promised us in terms of rent. Our money was just coming in like clockwork.” She says everything was fine, until it definitely wasn’t.
(WSB photos)
As the first Starbird Chicken in this state, the new West Seattle location (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) opened this morning with plenty of pomp, and a line for freebies. We counted ~80 people in line just before the doors opened at 11 am, with a promise of free food for the first 200. Rachel Porter of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce emceed multiple iterations of the ceremonial ribboncutting:
The actual cutting was done by executives of the Mehta Investment Group, which owns this location and more than a dozen others to come (Capitol Hill among them), Vin Mehta and Rohit Mehta, with special guests including India‘s Consul General for Seattle, Prakash Gupta:
We have already shown you the interior – and the menu – so we didn’t go inside again today. Two of the selling points mentioned in the ribboncutting ceremony: Their chicken gluten-free, and they’re open later than many eateries (11 pm).
The new Admiral home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) will be a concert venue this Saturday afternoon, as announced by proprietor Frank Gross:
We are pleased to welcome Dave Hause and Tim Hause for a short in-store acoustic performance this Saturday, October 3rd, at 3 pm here at Thunder Road Guitars in Seattle. This in-store will be free and all ages.
Dave Hause & The Mermaid are in town playing 2 nights at the Sunset Tavern on Oct 2nd and 3rd, and we couldn’t be more stoked to welcome them here to Thunder Road in West Seattle.
Haven’t been to the shop yet? You’ll find it at 2611 California SW.
Thanks for the tips on this, following our earlier reports on major work in the parking lots at Taco Time (which is closed until the weekend) and The Home Depot – West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) has work under way in its lot too. But like The Home Depot, it’s still open, and it’s business as usual inside. One of the managers, Ted, tells us the work is centered on a pipe (which isw why the crews at work include O’Neill Plumbing, also a WSB sponsor) and should be complete tomorrow – they’re hoping to get most of the work done early in the day.
Thanks to Al for the tip on this. The Home Depot‘s parking lot on Delridge is a work zone today too – about three-quarters of it is roped off for paving crews. In this case, though, unlike Taco Time, the store is still open; the available parking spaces are on the north side of the lot.
Five months after we reported that Shannon and Jon Felix had decided to sell Avalon Glassworks and move on to new adventures, they’ve found a buyer. We inquired after spotting the marquee message in our photo above, suggesting something is “COMING SOON” to the glassblowing-studio space next to Luna Park Café. Avalon Glassworks officially closed 2+ months ago, aside from a few pop-up shopping opportunities. And now a new owner is getting ready to take over. Via email, glass artist Emily Chick explained the plan:
Basically I saw the ad Shannon and John put out for the business and I knew I had to go for it!
I love blowing glass and playing a supportive role in the glass community. With this hot shop and retail space, which I’ve named HoneyDew Glassworks, I plan to make a space that other glassblowers can utilize both in the making of their art and the sustaining of their livelihood. As well as creating and selling my own work, I will be renting out studio bench time to glass artists and providing the opportunity for anyone to sell their work through the Honeydew Store.
I’m not exactly sure when I’ll be able to open but I’m really gunning for before December. I want to have a fun little opening event when that time comes! Planning on being open 5 days a week but not exactly sure which days yet.
Lots to work on and finalize for me but I’m so thrilled for this journey!
The space at 2914 SW Avalon Way has been a glassblowing studio for more than 30 years.
Two quick West Seattle Triangle business notes:
TRADER JOE’S HOURS CHANGE: Thanks to Ian for the tip on this: As posted at registers in the West Seattle Trader Joe’s, the store will open an hour later starting Monday, October 5th – 9 am instead of 8 am. We have an inquiry out to the company asking why the change. (Trivia note, the store marks its 15th anniversary next year.)
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS RIBBONCUTTING: As mentioned in today’s highlight list, the new paint store at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW is having a grand-opening celebration until 2 pm today. It started with a ribboncutting:
Thanks to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce for the photo. The store is in a former Midas location that closed in 2019.
(WSB photo, February)
We first reported back in February that Delphinium Delicatessen and Goods was on the way to 3902 California SW, and published a May update on progress. As is almost always the case for new businesses, things took a little longer than hoped for. Some readers have asked for an update, and tonight we have one from proprietor Cindy Beaver: She has set Friday, September 25, as her official opening date, provided all goes well with an inspection later this week. Once that’s in the rear-view mirror, she’ll start stocking shelves, and might even be able to soft-open sooner. Hours will be 11 am-7 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, closed Mondays.
Thanks to Todd for the tip. He wondered if the 7-Eleven at 2429 Harbor Avenue SW was closing, after noticing people carrying items out. We went over after getting his note. Nobody was there, but some empty shelves were visible from outside, as were two handwritten notes, saying the closure was for cleaning and renovating, no time frame mentioned. We checked permit files; nothing recent, though not all renovations would require one,
It’s a great time to get healthier. Longtime WSB sponsor Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction is offering a discount right now on this personal-training program:
Why This Works
Fall is the second-best time of year to reset. Routines come back. Schedules firm up. But most fall fitness programs fail the same way – they start intense and fade by mid-October.
This one doesn’t. Here’s why:
Six Weeks – Long enough to build a real habit.
Twice a Week – The frequency that actually moves the needle. This is where progress compounds.
Just you and your trainer – We build your plan, track your pace, and notice when you miss a week.
Fitness Together West Seattle is upstairs at 4546 California SW in the heart of The Junction (Above The Matador).
A “gem of an opportunity” awaits at California and Juneau. Hannah and Sean, proprietors of Moon Room (WSB sponsor), explain in this message to you:
Dearest West Seattle,
After enjoying 4+ years of being a part of this wonderful community, we are deciding to look for a new owner or owners for Moon Room, our “Sweet Little Gift Shop in the Universe.” We have made the intentional decision to move closer to our family and as a result will not be able to take this fantastic, well-loved business with us.
We are reaching out through the West Seattle Blog first before we list in the greater Seattle area because we would absolutely love to see Moon Room continue to grow and thrive with someone local who is familiar with the shop and is in alignment with the positive vibes that it resonates with the community. It is a great opportunity to own a healthy, successful, and growing local business. Specifically appealing to those who are passionate about crystals, rocks, jewelry, and eclectic, fun retail gift products.
If you or someone you know is interested in this gem of an opportunity, please direct all serious inquiries via email to [email protected]. We are looking for the right qualifications, intentions, and fit for this special business. We will be keeping all communications private beyond this announcement.
In the meantime, we will happily continue to run the store with all the same joy, integrity, and service we have for the last 4 years. It is truly a pleasure!
Thank you all so much for your continued support and kindness,
We appreciate you!Hannah and Sean
Summer’s not over and paddling season isn’t either! Today until 5 pm, Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) offers you the opportunity to get new (or new-to-you) watercraft during its end-of-summer Boat Swap.
You don’t really need to bring anything to “swap” – consigners already dropped oiff their kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in time for the sale; just come to the shop and browse the expanded inventory!
Gear too:
The second-ever West Seattle Junction Sweet Stroll continues until 8 pm, and you can still get a ticket – just go to the check-in table in front of KeyBank at California/Alaska:
Above is one of the four treats your ticket is good for, a Molly Moon’s Ice Cream mini-flight – below, you also get your choice of Husky Deli mini-scoop:
Two berry-pie choices from A La Mode Pies:
And pumpkin-spice beverage plus donut from Top Pot:
You get all those for $25,
(Wikimedia Commons file photo by Jmabel)
3:55 PM WEDNESDAY: The Duwamish River Community Coalition says it’s succeeded in its longrunning challenge to the Ash Grove Cement plant – just south of the West Seattle Bridge – seeking to burn tires at a faster rate. From the DRCC’s announcement:
The Duwamish River Community Coalition (DRCC) has won their two-year battle against the Notice of Construction (NOC) Permit issued by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) for the Ash Grove Cement Company (Ash Grove). The NOC permit would have removed the 30% limit on the tire-burning rate at the facility; records show Ash Grove would have combusted up to 3.7 tons of tires (about 43% of total fuels) per hour to heat their cement kilns. Due to high metals emissions that would have resulted from this change, PSCAA reinstituted the 30% cap on tire burning. The reversal stems from years of advocacy and litigation by DRCC and Front and Centered, as well as results from heavy metals testing requested by the community.
Tire burning releases particulate matter, heavy metals, and hazardous air pollutants known to harm human health in many ways, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other chronic health problems.
As a frontline community, the Duwamish Valley is already disproportionately exposed to higher rates of air pollution resulting in serious health impacts. Some of these impacts include the highest rates of childhood asthma hospitalizations in King County and a life expectancy ten years less than other neighborhoods without these exposures, like Laurelhurst, only ten miles away.
Over 500 community members and 30 local businesses joined with DRCC, Front and Centered, and Earthjustice in strong opposition to the permit during the public comment period. Community members also led a protest in front of PSCAA headquarters in November of 2025, demanding their health be prioritized and the 30% limit remain in place. Despite this community advocacy, PSCAA issued a Final NOC to Ash Grove that eliminated the cap on burning tires at Ash Grove’s Seattle facility. In January 2026, DRCC and Front and Centered filed an appeal before the Pollution Control Hearings Board challenging that notice of construction order. Because PSCAA has reinstated the 30% limit, DRCC and Front and Centered dismissed their appeal.
“In frontline communities like the Duwamish Valley, any increase in air pollution is unacceptable, and should be faced with the highest level of scrutiny,” said Paulina López, Executive Director of DRCC. “For too long, communities like ours who already bear a disproportionate share of environmental harms have also been forced to shoulder the responsibility of monitoring neglectful government decisions and advocating for our health.”
By issuing a final permit that allowed for increased tire burning without instituting measures to control the corresponding increase in pollution, decision-makers at PSCAA failed to take seriously community concerns that have ultimately been proven true.
DRCC and the community’s advocacy led PSCAA to add a condition to the Final NOC permit (issued Dec 2025) that required testing for hazardous air pollutants – arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, and selenium – following the increase in the tire-firing rate. If the testing showed an increase in emissions of any pollution, the previous 30% rate would remain in place.
In June 2026, Ash Grove conducted the required testing, and results showed an increase in cadmium air pollution from Ash Grove’s increased burning of tires. Cadmium is a Class-1 carcinogen, known to cause lung and prostate cancer, and bioaccumulates in the kidneys and bones, causing kidney damage and bone demineralization. As a result, PSCAA reinstituted the 30% limit on tire combustion, to prevent an increase in metals emissions.
“Without the overwhelming outcry from the Duwamish Valley community, DRCC, and our partners” said Mia Ayala-Marshall, Clean Air Program Manager at DRCC, “PSCAA would have allowed this modification to occur without proper testing, further exposing our community to more dangerous air pollution that impacts our health.”
The news release also says they are urging advocacy for legislation that could prevent similar situations:
Under Washington’s current laws, permitting processes do not require polluting businesses to consider the effects of historical environmental racism and the cumulative health risk burdens that Frontline communities face. Legislation like the CURB Pollution Act is an important next step in ensuring that our communities have the healthy environment we all deserve.
DRCC – whose clean-air advocacy is detailed here – and Front and Centered say they voluntarily dismissed their appeal today. (Here’s the document.) We’re seeking comment from Ash Grove, which has operated the Seattle plant for more than a century.
ADDED 9:26 AM THURSDAY: Here’s the statement sent to us in response to our request for comment:
Ash Grove will continue to comply with its existing permit obligations. We are committed to being a
responsible environmental steward and operating in full compliance with regulatory requirements. We
appreciate the collaborative review process and will continue exploring opportunities to advance our
sustainability objectives while meeting environmental and community expectations.
Ready for the seasonal shift from sea to snow? Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) has two “swap” events coming up, where you can sell your old gear and/or buy something new (or at least new-to-you):
(WSB photo from last spring ‘swap’ at Mountain to Sound)
WEST SEATTLE BOAT SWAP: Starting at 10 am Saturday (September 12), M2S is having a sale of new and used watercraft and gear. If you want to sell your kayak and/or stand-up paddleboard, drop it off by Friday. Full details here for both buyers and sellers.
WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP: Details to come on this – it’s also an opportunity to buy and/or sell. Save the dates, Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25.
Thanks to Ian for the tip. Seattle-headquartered WaFd Bank, which has one West Seattle branch (4102 California SW), is merging with EverBank. According to the news release announcing the merger, “EverBank Financial Corp will merge with and into WaFd, Inc., with WaFd, Inc. continuing as the resulting financial holding company” – but then, “Immediately following the holding company merger, WaFd Bank, a federally insured Washington state chartered commercial bank, will merge with and into EverBank, N.A., a national banking association, with EverBank continuing as the bank chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.” The announcement says EverBank has branches in California, New York, and Florida; while WaFd has “more than 200 branches across nine western states.” It had two branches in West Seattle until closing the California/Fauntleroy location – still vacant – five and a half years ago. It appears from this slide deck that WaFd will remain the regional “brand,” but we’ll be seeking to confirm that.
Thanks to Lynne for the tip. If you want to have Husky Deli ice cream and/or deli food for your holiday-weekend picnic, cookout, etc., be sure to get it by closing time Friday – Husky has announced it’ll be closed Saturday, Sunday, and (Labor Day) Monday. Here’s the happy reason: Jack Miller‘s son Tony is getting married. When we contacted Jack to verify the closure plan, he told us that Tony has something else big in his near-future – “he is currently going to be returning to the store in October, which we are all very excited about.”
Quail Park of West Seattle (4515 41st SW) is celebrating two milestones – 100 percent occupancy, and eight years of operation:
When West Seattle Blog first reported on Quail Park, tracking our progress from initial announcement and groundbreaking to our very first move-ins, it was documenting more than just construction; it was covering a commitment to West Seattle’s fiercely loyal, civically minded community. This month, as Quail Park of West Seattle celebrates its 8th anniversary, that commitment has deepened into a permanent neighborhood pillar. Over the past year, our assisted living and memory care community has operated at or near 100% capacity. In a peninsula where civic pride runs deep, this milestone is far more than an occupancy figure. It is a reflection of mutual trust and a shared dedication to keeping our senior neighbors rooted in the place they helped build.
As we mark eight years in West Seattle, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the neighbors and readers who have cheered us on since before the first shovel hit the dirt. Reaching and sustaining a full house confirms what makes this peninsula so extraordinary: a collective belief in community, continuity, and looking out for one another. We look forward to many more years of shared neighborhood traditions, strong civic partnerships, and serving as a welcoming home where West Seattle’s seniors truly belong.Brian Anderson, executive director; Denis Bryant, president & CEO; and Ramses Colindres, community relations director.
(WSB photo from February’s Sweet Stroll – Top Pot Doughnuts is participating this time too)
Last winter, the West Seattle Junction Association presented its first-ever “Sweet Stroll” – one ticket to visit four local dessert purveyors for tasty treats. WSJA is doing it again on Thursday, September 10, in conjunction with the next West Seattle Art Walk – same hours, 5 pm to 8 pm – and tickets are available online right now. Go here to see the list of participating venues and what they’ll be serving up that night!
Readers have been asking for a progress report on Royal Bagel, which we first told you about back in May. Proprietor Eric Brougham – a relative of the legendary Royal Brougham, hence the name – tells WSB that construction in the storefront at 6045 California SW is now under way, after he obtained a key permit recently. He is still hoping for a fall opening of his shop offering New York-style bagels.
Going to The Junction? Don’t miss this season’s final Sundays in the Alley behind Carmilia’s – a mini-fair with vendors and music – The Sheltones are playing oldies today:
Vendors today include Angie with The Little Merle…
Chelsea and her pop-up bakery …
And Swirl Vintage…
All this will be happening until 3 pm – you can go through Carmilia’s, or access the alley from either end, on Alaska or Oregon.
Today we’re welcoming West Seattle Cat Care as a new WSB sponsor! When local businesses join the WSB sponsor team, they get an opportunity to tell you about what they offer – so here’s what West Seattle Cat Care would like you to know:
West Seattle Cat Care is owned and operated by native Washingtonian and longtime West Seattle resident Ben Larsen. Although WSCC officially launched in April 2026, Ben and his team have spent years caring for cats throughout the neighborhood, building lasting relationships with both feline clients and the people who love them. Our approach is simple: we want your cats to feel like their favorite auntie or uncle has stopped by while you’re away. Every cat is different, so we take the time to learn what makes each one happiest—whether that’s playtime, quiet companionship, extra treats, or throwing on the harness and going outside for a stroll. We believe the best pet care is personal, attentive, and tailored to each cat’s unique personality.
Every new West Seattle Cat Care client receives a complimentary meet-and-greet, where we’ll visit your home to get to know you and your cat. During this visit, we’ll learn your cat’s routine, preferences, and any special care they need, while answering any questions you may have. Just as importantly, it gives us a chance to begin building a relationship with your cat before our visits officially begin. Then once you’re away, you’ll receive plenty of adorable photos along with a detailed visit report through our easy-to-use app. One of the things our clients tell us most often is how much they appreciate these updates. When you’re missing your cat, seeing their happy face and knowing they’re comfortable and well cared for can make all the difference.
Does your cat need medicine? We’ve got you covered.
Does your little demon enjoy supervised adventures outside? We’re happy to take them out wearing a harness for a chance to nibble some grass.
Does your cat insist on drinking water only from the bathtub? Or a pint glass on the floor of the walk-in closet? Cats have wonderfully unique habits, and we’ve seen just about everything. Whatever your cat’s quirks may be, we’re happy to accommodate them—just let us know what keeps them happiest.
We also care for more than just cats. If your household includes birds, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, turtles, snakes, or bearded dragons, we’d be delighted to help care for them too. Whether that means offering a mealworm to your bearded dragon, refreshing your guinea pig’s hay, or preparing a leafy green salad for your rabbits, we’re comfortable caring for a wide variety of small animals.
Want your cat to become Instagram-famous? Our talented West Seattle Cat Care team member Rachel manages our Instagram account and loves sharing photos of our adorable clients (with your permission, of course!).
We’re currently serving West Seattle and surrounding neighborhoods in ZIP codes 98106, 98116, 98126, 98136, and 98146.
If you’re looking for thoughtful, dependable, and personalized care for your cat—and any furry, feathered, or scaly family members who share your home —we’d love the opportunity to meet you. Schedule your complimentary West Seattle Cat Care meet-and-greet today, and let’s get to know you and your pets. We can’t wait to welcome you!
We thank West Seattle Cat Care for choosing to advertise the studio by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team too? Please email [email protected] for information – thank you!
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