(From left, Tracy Martinez and Carol George)
Story and photos by Jen Boyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

While walking around Green Lake last April, two stay-at-home moms had an idea that would send their lives in a new direction. What if they took those adorable hand-sewn felt hair clips one of the moms makes for her daughter and marketed them to the world?

What started as a “what if” turned into a whole new brand of fun, functional and eco-friendly kids accessories in just six months – Little Doodahs.

West Seattle resident Tracy Martinez and Queen Anne resident Carol George met years ago through their husbands, who were college buddies. When they had their children, they each decided to leave their 9 to 5 jobs and stay home full time.

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The new Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt opening tomorrow in Admiral (as first reported here Wednesday) aspires to be the place for tasty family fun. Owner Leslie Castanha (above center, below 2nd from right) and operations manager Guy Castanha (above, 3rd from right) had their own family on hand tonight to help celebrate the new business, during a special “friends and family” preview.

(This photo courtesy Holly Brown; other 2 are by Patrick Sand for WSB)
The premise behind Menchie’s is that – as you can see on the overhead signs – it’s a self-serve place where you choose your yogurt and toppings, and pay by the ounce. They’ll rotate 14 flavors (here’s the full list of potential flavors, including nonfat, vegan, lactose-free options) with more than 50 toppings. And if you have a special occasion – they have a party room (also available for overflow if the rest of the shop is crowded and no one’s having a gathering):

Color-it-yourself T-shirts were on display on the table when we peeked in. Another community component: Menchie’s can partner with local organizations for fundraising. Menchie’s will open at 11 every day, closing at 10 pm nightly except Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm). You can follow the news from Menchie’s (2620 California SW) via the Admiral shop’s Facebook page.

A few more follow-ups today, three days after the Drug Enforcement Administration searched more than a dozen medical-marijuana operations around Puget Sound, including GAME Collective, owned by a West Seattle man, with a location in West Seattle and a “lounge” in White Center. Last night, Thomas Bates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office was at the South Delridge-White Center Community Safety Coalition meeting. He said the regional operation mostly targeted medical-marijuana businesses “with multiple locations” that were suspected of “large-volume drug sales, money-laundering, and other operations.” While he did not address GAME Collective directly, he did mention that the “returns” from the search warrants had started to come in – those are the official documents showing what, if anything, law-enforcement officers found when they conducted the searches for which they had warrants We obtained the first two returns this afternoon. They are for two vehicles – one belonging to the GAME Collective’s owner, and one belonging to another West Seattle man listed in the original search-warrant documents as being associated with GAME. Though the search warrant empowers agents to seize anything found in a broad range of items listed, from drugs to money to recordkeeping books, the search warrant return for the 2007 Mercedes belonging to GAME Collctive’s owner says “no items seized.” For the other man’s 2010 Subaru Outback, the return document lists items seized as:Read More

We’ve obtained a 37-page federal court document related to Tuesday’s DEA search at GAME Collective in White Center (one of a dozen-plus medical-marijuana establishments searched around Puget Sound) – and they reveal that federal authorities obtained search warrants for GAME Collective locations in West Seattle and North Seattle as well, along with the West Seattle home and car of its owner, and vehicles belonging to others associated with GAME.

The documents reiterate what statements from federal authorities said last night (as included in our Tuesday story), saying that they are not targeting “medical marijuana providers that comply with the letter and the spirit of existing state law,” though marijuana of any type is illegal under federal law. But they allege that five people associated with GAME Collective are suspected of federal crimes including conspiracy to distribute marijuana, distribution of marijuana , and unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The documents allege that constitutes a “drug-trafficking organization.”

The court documents also show a tie-in between the GAME investigation and the recent “Operation Center of Attention” raids, as well as detailing a series of undercover buys, and even mentioning a mysterious anonymous letter. The investigation of GAME Collective began in late July, at which time, an investigator writes:Read More

They’re new to the WSB sponsor team but a longtime fixture in West Seattle: Menashe & Sons Jewelers.

Just as the holiday season gets under way, Menashe & Sons invites you to a special evening sale event at the store this Friday, 5-9 pm, with refreshments. More on that later. Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

Menashe & Sons is the premier fine jeweler in West Seattle, specializing in custom creations and unique jewelry pieces. Since opening our doors in 1973, we have served our Seattle community with an enthusiastic commitment to selling beautiful and quality jewelry pieces. Our full-service store strives to provide all your appraisal and repair needs for jewelry, watches, and clocks. Our dedicated staff will take the time to work with you to ensure you are satisfied in every possible way. (Meet them here.) Menashe & Sons also is proud to offer you the opportunity to create your own unique custom masterpiece. We will work with you to turn your dream jewelry into reality. (Read about the custom-jewelry process, and see photos, here.) Menashe & Sons also is proud to have one of the largest estate jewelry inventories in the state of Washington (as detailed here).

You can follow Menashe & Sons Jewelers on Facebook (here) and Twitter (here). Please also feel free to browse our website and see what we can offer you.

Now, more about the Friday 5-9 pm: Along with “a little bubbly and good cheer,” they’ll be serving hors d’oeuvres and Bakery Nouveau carrot cake. You’ll find Menashe & Sons Jewelers at 4532 California SW; by phone, 206-932-4272.

We thank Menashe & Sons Jewelers for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Just announced by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board chair Dave Montoure – the Chamber’s president/CEO Patti Mullen is leaving. From his e-mail announcement:

Over the last eight years, our Chamber has grown in membership, quality of programming, community partnership and advocacy, networking and learning opportunities. In addition, the Chamber has gained recognition throughout the Greater Seattle area as a strong leader for business on the Westside. So it is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Patti Mullen has accepted the position of President/CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. She will begin her new post in January, 2012.

The Chamber’s December 1st holiday party at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) will now also become a farewell party for Mullen. Some of the most recent initiatives she’s been working on have included promoting West Seattle as a destination for “sustainable tourism.” (WSB photo from June 2011)

As reported here two months ago, Spokane-based AmericanWest Bank is seeking to buy Viking Bank (WSB sponsor), which has a West Seattle branch in The Junction – and the deal’s just cleared a hurdle. Viking announced today that its shareholders have “approved the plan of merger and acquisition,” with “yes” votes representing more than 88 percent of Viking’s shares. The bank’s announcement says, “The transaction is expected to close before year end and is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of Viking Bank’s regulatory agencies.” Once everything’s finalized, Viking is expected to become part of AmericanWest, including a name change, according to this FAQ.

(Photo added 2:39 pm; looking from the NW corner of WSP’s current lot, across to where it’s moving)
Just shared by Christa Anderson – an announcement from West Seattle Produce:

West Seattle Produce Moving to New Location… Across the Street

Earlier this fall, we contradicted rumors that West Seattle Produce was moving because, at that point, it wasn’t. However, plans evolve and West Seattle Produce is now moving to a beautiful new home at 4722 Fauntleroy, directly across the street from the current location. The new location will be open for business on December 1, but we will be open for business at the original location until that date.

(And yes, the Beloved Mexico food truck will be coming too.)

This is exciting: we’ve got more room for current and new projects, lots of great parking, and we’re protected from the weather. We can’t wait to show off the new space!

Many people ask where they can get “I Heart West Seattle” items. Here’s a new answer: The first West Seattle branch of Portland-based Umpqua Bank (WSB sponsor), opening its doors north of Admiral Safeway at 9 am today. It’s also where you’ll find this tale out of early West Seattle history:

And though it’s a brand-new bank branch, it has a veteran manager who’s worked in West Seattle banking for seven years:

Kirk Mead is also a board member with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Of course, not everything about the new Umpqua Bank branch is West Seattle-specific, but it certainly has features you don’t find in every bank branch – read on:Read More

They literally wrote the book on finding a way to keep the tradition of family mealtimes even in this busy day and age. Stephanie Allen and Tina Kuna, co-founders of Dream Dinners and co-authors of “The Hour That Matters Most,” will be at the West Seattle Dream Dinners store (WSB sponsor) 5:30-7:30 pm tonight. The event is not only their book signing but also the store’s November tasting and open house. Prizes too! According to media material, their book “aims at helping American families reconnect over the dinner table, a lost art that has been found to be an important ritual in child development and family bonding.” If you RSVP before attending the event, you get a free copy of the book, but e-mail alaskajunctionWA@dreamdinners.com ASAP. West Seattle Dream Dinners is at 4701 41st SW, Suite 110, on the eastern ground-level side of Jefferson Square, entry from 41st. (P.S. Though Dream Dinners now has stores across the country, it was founded right here in Western Washington; Stephanie and Tina are from Snohomish, where their company is headquartered.)

12:13 PM UPDATE: WS DD proprietor Leslie says EVERYONE who comes will get a book – they just got some extras – don’t worry about RSVP’ing, just drop by.

FINAL WEEK FOR STOCKBOX GROCERS’ WEST SEATTLE PROTOTYPE: It’s the 8th week of Stockbox Grocers‘ “prototype” store at 24th/Holden – and the final week, since, as they’d warned all along, this was just a test. Stockbox founder Jacqueline Gjurgevich (at right, photographed as they prepared to open) says they’re having a sale: “The last day the store will be open is Sunday, November 6th although it may close earlier depending on when we sell out of inventory. We have 300 items in the store ranging from cleaning supplies to baking products to condiments to pasta and other staples. Dairy products and produce are also on sale. Most items in the store have been priced 20-75% off and people are flocking in to stock up on great deals. As a thank you to the Westhaven apartments and immediate vicinity we had a preview sale that started over the weekend and would now like to open up the sale to the greater West Seattle community.” They haven’t announced future, permanent locations but promise they’ll be back.

GUIDE TO SOUTH DELRIDGE/WHITE CENTER MARKETS: If you haven’t shopped some of the small-ish food stores in South Delridge/White Center, you might be missing a world of delights. If you’ve ever wanted to know more before venturing into one of the markets, the White Center Community Development Association has just granted your wish – creating a guide to nine of the markets. (See it as a PDF, here.)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

From “street disorder” to outdated laws, more than a dozen West Seattle businesspeople shared concerns with Mayor Mike McGinn during the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s most recent “Lunch With LEO” (local elected officials) brown-bag-lunch conversations.

The businesses/organizations represented at the event earlier this month at the Senior Center of West Seattle spanned the peninsula, from Alki Kayak Tours in the north to Reflections Dental Centre (Westwood Village) in the south, from West 5 in The Junction to Huling Brothers Properties in The Triangle to South Seattle Community College on Puget Ridge – and more.

While generally listening sympathetically, at one point, the mayor did challenge an assertion about local police presence.

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Story and photo by Bill “Hutch” Hutchison
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Stuffed Cakes is now open at 9003 35th SW, next to the new West Seattle Fish House.

We checked in with owner Donna Lawson, and she tells us she passed her final inspection, so that means she’s open and getting ready for a grand-opening celebration early next month.

As previously reported, her new headquarters will be functioning in two ways – for making custom cakes and cupcakes (special orders), and to sell individual cupcakes daily.

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After a few WSB’er inquiries, we’ve checked in with the companies opening Umpqua Bank (which just joined the WSB sponsor team) and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (here’s our July story) in the new commercial building on the northwest side of the Admiral Safeway site. Umpqua tells us they’re tentatively planning on November 2nd, while a Menchie’s spokesperson says, “Unfortunately we do not have a confirmed date, but we expect that it will open in early November.”

You might have noticed the scene at Fauntleroy/Alaska/38th if you drove by on the way to work, or walked past to catch a bus: The pageantry of stocking a new Les Schwab Tires store is in full swing, or more like full roll. When we toured the site with area manager Rich Baalman last week, he told us that around 7 am on opening day, tire-laden semi’s would roll in from distribution headquarters in Prineville, Oregon, and the 40-plus store managers he supervises would get busy getting them inside the new store:

Once the tires are all out of the trucks and in the store, around mid-morning, they’ll open for business – this is the basement of the one-time Huling Brothers used-car-lot building, filling up fast:

On the counter, a different set of stacks that will eventually be tackled:

The company has about 400 stores, all in Western states, selling tires and wheels as well as offering related services (such as brakes/shocks/alignment).

Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Two of West Seattle’s neighborhood mini-markets are expanding their offerings by installing delis.

First: The Alki Urban Market has brought back its deli, which shut down for a while in order to enlarge and reorganize the kitchen to be able to broaden the market’s offerings. Along with deli sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head meats and a veggie sandwich, the deli now offers hamburgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken.

Owner Thampipillai Thilakarajah says, “The community wanted the deli, and the landlord thought there should be a deli in the neighborhood.” All deli items are available for take-out by calling 206-913-2127 and menus are available at the Market. Deli hours are 12 pm-6 pm Monday-Friday, and 11 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Also adding a deli and continuing its evolution is the Juneau Street Market at California/Juneau (next to the new Pan Africa Grill), recently taken over by Sam Ibrahim (right), who purchased the newly renovated market from a relative. Sam is planning to move some counters and shelves around to make room for a seating area by the front windows, and add a deli counter that will serve sandwiches and hot foods, including gyros and chicken teriyaki. Permitting is underway and he hopes to get started within the next 30 days.

Another amenity that Sam is adding is that the Juneau Street Market will be a Western Union branch and will be able to transact money orders, transfers and bill paying. This should be ready to go sometime this week. Juneau Street Market hours are 9 am-10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 9 am-12 pm Friday and Saturday.

Both market owners stress that they are interested in serving their neighbors well and providing them with good food whenever they need it.

Thanks to WSB contributor Keri DeTore for the tip about the line outside the AT&T store at California/Fauntleroy. It’s for the iPhone 4S, which went on sale today.