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

Another change is in the works for what was the On Safari Foods storefront in Westwood, divided into three spaces after that business moved to SODO.

Stuffed Cakes owner Donna Lawson confirms that she will be setting up shop in the third and final vacant space at 9003 35th Ave SW (the northernmost space, where Hebert’s Den was briefly open). Donna, a former graphic designer, began her cake/cupcake business in 2010, working from a shared space in The Triangle.

She’s been looking for a solo space since March and finally landed here. “I’m also a West Seattle resident since 1997 and want to stay local with my business.”

Read More

West Seattle is about to get its second perfume shop. Sweet Anthem Handmade Perfumes will open next month in a Morgan Junction live-work storefront at 6021-B California SW, according to an announcement we just received. The owner and perfumer is Meredith Smith, whose “handmade, ethical (and) vegan” Sweet Anthem line has been available online since 2007. The announcement adds:

Meredith uses natural and synthetic ingredients that are local and sustainable, working with a local, carbon neutral energy company to find petrol-free alternatives to synthetic notes. The Sweet Anthem line includes pure parfum oils, eau de parfums, solid perfumes, soaps, ambient room sprays and bath oils. Meredith produces these products in the shop.

The announcement also says Sweet Anthem will carry “other local indie fragrance lines culled by Meredith,” will have a “custom fragrance bar (where) DIYers can create their own fragrance from a menu of 200+ fragrance notes,” and will offer Perfume Making 101 classes. The grand opening is set for 11 am-8 pm daily, October 12-15, after which the regular hours will be 11 am-6 pm.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

To know where you’re going, you have to figure out where you are.

Toward that end, surveys were a big theme of Monday’s Admiral Neighborhood Association– and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce-facilitated meetup for Admiral business owners.

One survey’s already complete – ANA unveiled results of the survey it circulated among more than 100 business owners/merchants in the greater Admiral area, from the northernmost commercial building on California SW, to California/Charlestown.

The second is about to begin – a city rep talked about a new citywide survey launching tomorrow in six business districts, including Admiral – which may find you approached by a survey-taker on the street.

Read More

When team members from West Seattle’s two Windermere Real Estate offices join forces to help build High Point’s new playground this Friday, it will be a sort of preview of things to come. The Morgan Junction office (WRE-Fauntleroy; photo above) will soon close, and its staff will move into the office in The Junction. Both branches are owned by Janet Haberbush, with whom we talked today, after a tipster pointed us to this listing showing that the Fauntleroy space (between Abbondanza Pizza and Subway) is up for lease. She says the consolidation is partly driven by the fact their lease was up on the Morgan Junction space, but also will enable operating efficiencies, and will take advantage of some space they added in The Junction a while back. There’s no hard-and-fast date yet for them to be completely moved out of Morgan Junction; right now, according to Haberbush, they’re modifying the Junction space to accommodate the enlarged team, which she says will include more than 60 agents/brokers. (The move is somewhat reminiscent of what another major player in West Seattle real estate, Prudential Northwest, did in 2009, when it closed its Admiral offices and moved everyone into Jefferson Square.)

(WS Autoworks’ Chris Christensen, Nathan Huie, Todd Ainsworth. Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
With cars in the West Seattle spotlight today, seems like an auspicious time to mention this: There’s something new at West Seattle Autoworks – a big new sign marking their spot along 35th SW at Webster. And it was installed just in time for the shop to celebrate a milestone: October will mark one year since their grand opening. They’re planning a first-anniversary party on Saturday, October 1st, an open-house event with refreshments including Red Star Pizza and coffee from Cafe Osita (both nearby businesses), raffle tickets, door prizes, and discount offers that’ll be good for the whole month. Drop in and wish West Seattle Autoworks “happy anniversary” 9 am-5 pm on the 1st.

In hopes of strengthening Admiral District businesses by bringing them together, just as the Safeway redevelopment brought a new dynamic to the area, the Admiral Neighborhood Association shared a letter and survey with more than 120 businesses this past summer (as reported here). The survey results are now compiled, and ANA, along with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, invites Admiral business owners/merchants to a special meeting to both look at the results and talk about future possibilities. The formal invitation is here; it’s at 4 pm next Monday, September 19th, at the Porterhouse; again, it’s just for Admiral business owners/merchants, who are asked to RSVP to info@admiralneighborhood.org.

(Clementine owner Linda Walsh, photographed Monday by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Happy 5th anniversary to Junction shoes/accessories powerhouse Clementine and its owner Linda Walsh! Her feisty, fashionable Junction shop was one of the first local businesses we tracked even from the butcher-paper-on-windows stage; our archives show that five years ago today, we noted that the lights were on and shoes/purses were on display at the then-about-to-open Clementine. Now, after five lively years, Linda, her team, and their legions of stylish fans are preparing for a party. 10 am-6 pm this Saturday (September 17th), as announced on Clementine’s site, not only will shoppers be offered cake and mimosas, they’ll also get a “mystery discount” – at least 5 percent, maybe as much as 50 percent. Stop by and help Clementine celebrate the Big 5 on Saturday; keep an eye out for more previews at clementines.com, or on Facebook, here. (What? Never been? 4447 California SW)

Seattle-based Viking Bank (WSB sponsor), which has one branch in West Seattle, is getting new ownership and a new name. Spokane-based AmericanWest Bank has just announced it’s buying Viking’s parent company, and will merge Viking Bank into AmericanWest. Here’s the official news release; here’s a letter from Viking Bank to its customers, saying “you can count on working with the same professional staff as always at our seven locations.” The merger is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, according to this list of FAQs.

Though it’s not as hot a topic as the West Seattle Trader Joe’s project nearby (see yesterday’s update?), we know there are folks awaiting the opening of the new Les Schwab Tires on the southwest corner of 38th/Alaska, so we checked to see how that’s going. This one’s taking a bit longer, too; when we talked with a spokesperson in June, they were hoping to open this month. But that spokesperson tells WSB today that the new estimate for opening is mid-October.

FIRST THURSDAY REPORT, 12:25 PM: If you’ve noticed anything unusual today at the port facilities in and near West Seattle: Reports are circulating that longshore workers in Seattle and elsewhere are off the job today in relation to a dispute that turned violent in Longview. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union is quoted as saying it’s “investigating” those reports; the Port of Seattle has issued a statement acknowledging “work is not occurring at our terminals today”:

The Port of Seattle is aware that work is not occurring at our terminals today, as longshore workers are not present. Port of Seattle terminals are leased to terminal operators who work directly with ILWU for staffing. We do not know when work will resume. We will send an update at 3:00 pm today.

Here’s the ILWU’s side of the story about what’s happening in Longview. The dispute has been simmering for a while, as chronicled on the union’s Facebook page.

THURSDAY 1:09 PM UPDATE: Labor Notes quotes ILWU as saying no action had been formally called, but “large numbers of individuals appear to have taken action on their own.”

EARLY FRIDAY MORNING: Our partners at the Seattle Times have updated the situation. No followup statement emerged from the Port of Seattle Thursday afternoon/evening; it remains to be seen if work will resume today.

8:25 AM FRIDAY MORNING: The Port has issued a short statement saying operations are back to “normal” today.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With three grocery stores within a radius of barely three blocks, the Admiral District is home to West Seattle’s busiest food-shopping hub.

And it’s been a big year for all three of those supermarkets – Safeway just opened its new store, PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) remodeled its West Seattle store, and Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) celebrated “a fantastic 40 years of being in business,” as Admiral store manager Glen Hasstedt describes it.

We talked with him recently to check in on what’s new with MM, and what’s ahead.

Read More

Eight notes from and about local businesses, received/gathered recently:

MAWADDA CAFE: For those wondering when this Mediterranean café in the Admiral District (first reported here in July) is going to open – as seems to be unavoidable for projects like this, the café’s owner tells WSB that it’s taking a bit longer than expected, so no opening date yet, despite the big bright OPENING SOON banner out front. We’ll keep you up to date!

AVALON ADDS LUNCH: Got a note from Avalon that it’s now serving lunch, if you haven’t heard. (You’ll find the lunch menu on their website; they’re at 2940 SW Avalon Way.)

We have a couple longer restaurant-related updates in the works too – check back here in the next few days (unless you’re checking out for the long holiday weekend, in which case, have a great time, we’ll see you when you’re back!)

Now, the non-food businesses:

SIMA MARTIAL ARTS MOVES: Owner Bob Heinemann says they’ve officially finished their move now to the new location at the corner of Fauntleroy/Genesee in The Triangle. And he’s launching an 8-week boot camp starting September 12th, 6-6:40 am. He says, “We have a diverse curriculum and diverse community of men & women ages 12 to 71!” They’re online at simamartialarts.com.

CYCLE UNIVERSITY SALE: Also in The Triangle, Cycle U is having a sale through this weekend. Brad Loetel explains that it’s “our end of summer closeout sale on all 2011 Bikes and Clothing through Labor Day weekend. Our 2012 bikes will be arriving shortly so we need to clear out the remaining inventory.” Cycle U is at 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW.

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND SALE: And another Triangle business with a sale – Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) has just kicked off its Labor Day sale; full details here. They’re in The Triangle at 3602 SW Alaska – and remember, they have an online store now too.

WEST SEATTLE FABRIC COMPANY SALE: The sale at West Seattle Fabric Company (WSB sponsor) is announced on their Facebook page, including “20% off over 450 selected bolts of collection fabrics (1 yd. min. cuts), 20% off quilting tools and rulers, 20% off select quilting books and patterns, and 20% off All Sewline fabric pencils, erasers and refills.” 2210 California SW.

NEW PILATES STUDIO: Be: Pilates recently opened in West Seattle (3703B California SW). Its owner is West Seattle resident Beth Montanez. She says hers is “the only studio in Seattle with the Balanced Body CoreAlign.” Besides private and group classes, Beth says she is offering “the first Pilates Instructor Training Course to be hosted in the West Seattle community,” starting September 30th.

HIGHLINE PHYSICAL THERAPY MOVES: Clinic manager Darren Dilley, PT, says they moved over the summer from their previous quarters east of Jefferson Square (home to Highline Medical Center’s West Seattle Family Medicine clinic (WSB sponsor), and future urgent-care clinic) and are now in the Jefferson Square tower, on the 5th floor, above Bartell Drugs. Dilley says Highline Physical Therapy-West Seattle is “planning an open house for physicians, and possibly another one in early October for the general public.”

It’s the first day of September, and there’s a bit of chill in the air. Time to think about heating oil, if you use it, and that’s the business of a new WSB sponsor, SC Fuels. Here’s what they would like you to know:

Customers rest assured that SC Fuels will deliver the best prices on home heating oil. We pride ourselves on having the highest level of service that is possible, from the time someone picks up the phone and places their heating oil order with one of our customer-services representatives, till the time our delivery drivers step on the property to deliver the oil, our unwavering commitment to customer service is unmatched. Customers also rest assured that we have the highest level of integrity of any heating-oil-delivery company and we always look out for our customers’ needs and family first. After all, without our customers, who would we be? No one.

Customers come to SC Fuels because they know that they will find the best possible price for their oil. They know that we have a price-match guarantee, and we always beat our competitors’ prices. Home heating oil is the most efficient way to heat your home and we ensure that you can do that at the most affordable prices possible!

Customers continually come back to us because of the peace of mind we have developed with our customers. When you call to place an delivery order to your home, you want to know the delivery personnel are not going to do anything shady. Customers tell us all the time that they know, when SC Fuels delivers their oil, they can rest assured that they will receive their delivery with no problems.

SC Fuels‘ community/advocacy involvement includes organizations such as the Pacific Northwest Oil Heat Council and the National Biodiesel Board (for development of sustainable energy resources), and sponsorship of the Washington State Special Olympics. You can call them at 253-475-7600; they’re online at scfuelsnorthwest.com.

We thank SC Fuels 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.

Three updates from The Junction this afternoon:

NEW PAINT: Thanks to Brian Presser from TouchTech Systems for the photo of a crew applying new paint to the long-beige building where he and several other businesses are headquartered – the one with the breezeway, south of the old liquor store. Speaking of which:

VAIN MOVING INTO OLD LIQUOR STORE: We’ve already reported that The Beer Junction is taking part of the old state liquor store space in the 4500 block of California SW (open since the liquor store’s new location is now in business). This afternoon, we know who else is moving in – VAIN salon/boutique will open its third Seattle location there (it’s already downtown and in Ballard). Its news release says this is a homecoming for VAIN founder Victoria Ptak, who lives in West Seattle. Read the news release in full, with more details, here. Victoria also sent a note, saying, “The building will be undergoing a major rehab in the next few weeks. We will be starting work on our portion of the building starting October 1st with the goal of being open winter-ish. As a resident and huge fan of West Seattle I am excited for the opportunity to join such an active community! There are so many great businesses, community activists and fun neighborhood happenings, I look forward to bringing what we can to the mix.”

‘EXPERIENCE JUNCTION LOVE’: Just because our abbreviated summer is ending, don’t retreat into your shell – “experience Junction love”! It’s the new campaign just announced by the West Seattle Junction Association, whose website mentions some of the things just waiting for your love (and patronage). The campaign will spotlight a new theme each month – read on for a sneak peek:Read More

EDITOR’S NOTE: Many WSB’ers have asked about the former Tervo’s at 4415 Fauntleroy, which has changed hands a few times recently and been closed a while. Suddenly this week, windows were installed on its south side, and painting was under way. We asked WSB contributor Keri DeTore to check it out; here’s what she discovered.

Update and photo by Keri DeTore for West Seattle Blog

New owners Negash Yassin (pictured) and his brother Daniel have purchased the former Tervo’s site in The Triangle and are adding it to their Corner Store & Deli franchise. This West Seattle location will feature fresh Boar’s Head sandwiches, some fresh produce, and a substantial wine and beer selection. It will still offer some of the typical corner-store products, such as sodas and cigarettes, but in a more “upscale” environment.

Negash says he and his brother studied the neighborhood to determine what it seemed to need, so in addition to the previous offerings, they will offer more coffee options. They will be featuring Ethiopian coffee in their mochas and lattes and providing punch cards for coffee drinks and sandwiches.

As for the renovation, the inside has been completely gutted, with new wall systems being installed and the wood-framed windows presenting a more inviting street front. Says Negash: “We try to look our best; we don’t want it to look like a prison.”

He says “Corner Store & Deli #2” will be open for business within the next two weeks. (#1 is in the Central District, at 1720 S. Jackson.)

One of the newest stores in The Junction, Nurturing Expressions, is one of our newest WSB sponsors, and today is their turn to share what they would like you to know about their business: Nurturing Expressions has been nurturing mothers and their babies in Washington State since 2004 and recently expanded by opening a new boutique store in West Seattle. Whether mothers choose to breastfeed, pump, bottle feed or do a combination, Nurturing Expressions‘ team of board-certified lactation consultants will support mothers and their babies through all stages of feeding. The store offers a private breastfeeding room where consultants can personally support mothers and their babies, and they offer free baby-weight checks. They also provide in-home lactation consultations, classes and support groups – find the schedules here – and specialize in selling breastfeeding supplies, breast pumps, nursing bras (with personalized fittings), and more. Owner Tracy Corey (left) has lived and worked in West Seattle for more than 16 years. Tracy and her husband, Mike, have two children that attend Madison Middle School & Arbor Heights Elementary School.

Nurturing Expressions offers some extras, too. If you’re in The Junction with your baby and need a quiet place to nurse, you can stop by. Their store carries compression stockings, as well (read more about the store here) – and if you’re looking for babywearing accessories, Nurturing Expressions is also the place to go. Tracy wants to hear from the community – what else would you like to see a store like hers carry; what services would you like to see them offer? They’re in the Junction Tower building at 4746 44th SW, second floor, across from Junction True Value; online at nurturingexpressions.com and on Facebook, here.

We thank Nurturing Expressions 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.

We caught Erin from Twilight Artist Collective in the frontier-fun mood as The Junction goes Wild West (Seattle) today for its annual late-summer “Big Bonanza” sale day. (Their big deal of the day is described here.) Around the corner from Twilight, Brian at Easy Street Records with the vinyl:

Further north on the west side of California between Alaska and Oregon, Marcie told us Jan’s Beauty Supply has discounts today on one-liter sizes:

And we finished our quick jaunt at California/Oregon’s northwest corner, saying hi to Hank at Fleurt:

Who else is on the Big Bonanza list? All here, including WSB sponsors Click! Design That Fits and Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, where you’ll want to be at 6:30 pm tonight as gates open for the West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation of “Toy Story 3,” preceded by a free barbecue (enough food for 225 people, first come, first served) courtesy of West Seattle Christian Church.