West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
In the past day and a half, we’ve received two notes alerting us to a major change in The Junction: Moses the cat is no longer in residence inside Next to Nature. Both notes expressed alarm and concern – is Moses OK? So the ace WSB investigative team stopped by N-to-N this afternoon to find out, and discovered what you see in the photo above – a picture and note that “Moses has left the building. No, he’s not dead. He’s just in retirement. Sightings of him have been reported in Mexico.” Actually, we uncovered the fact that he’s now home with his owners … he just wasn’t happy staying at the store any more. One of our tipsters is relieved to hear that but adds, “I’ll miss him (don’t have a pet of my own, plus he was like a local landmark).” We’ll miss him too; he was definitely a shop fixture, hanging out by the front door much of the time, high enough up that you could try giving his ears a skritch. Enjoy your retirement, Moses!
This morning we welcome the newest WSB sponsor, Alki Kid’s Place, which is getting ready for its first season offering after-school activities in West Seattle, and is already up and running with summer programs that started in late June. Director Cheryl Snyder says Alki Kid’s Place is for children ages 4-14: “We offer a safe, nurturing environment along with a dedicated, caring staff. Our program was created to meet the growing needs within the community for quality, affordable after-school care for children. We offer a variety of activities including arts & crafts, movies, games, music, exercise, tae kwon do, along with quiet time for homework, reading, and relaxing as well as tutoring.” After-school programs start on September 3rd, and will be available 2:30 pm-6:30 pm. Cheryl says openings are now available — registrations are being accepted for fall — and they have daily rates as well as weekly rates, $15/day or $70/week. Alki Kid’s Place is at 6115 SW Hinds (map). To register or get more information, call 206-938-0145. Welcome to Alki Kid’s Place; all our current sponsors are listed on the updated WSB Advertise page, which also is the starting point for anyone interested in joining them (every WSB ad is seen more than 16,000 times a day, with an exceptionally low price per view!).
This past winter, we reported twice on a bill in the State Legislature to allow beer and wine tastings in grocery stores — first report here, second report here. 
The bill eventually passed, and tonight, the state has announced the first 15 grocery stores “randomly selected” to participate in a pilot version of the program starting this October, and the only Seattle store in the first 15 (see the list here) is West Seattle Thriftway in Morgan Junction. 15 more stores statewide will be announced soon – they’ll be chosen from chains; Thriftway and the other 14 are all independents. (Hat tip to The Big Blog.) Here’s how the state says the program will work:Read More
(Left to right: Westside Dermatology’s Abbey Reyes, Dr. Kelli Arntzen, Amy Nelson PA-C, Stacey Lynema, and Jon Davis)
This afternoon, the traditional WSB sponsor welcome goes out to Westside Dermatology, located in The Junction on 44th SW. When we welcome a sponsor, they get the chance to tell you about themselves, and here’s what Westside Dermatology has to say: “Last September several WSB readers recommended Westside Dermatology’s Dr. Kelli Arntzen in the reader recommendations section for someone suffering from psoriasis. To this day new patients to Westside Dermatology keep mentioning the WSB as how they heard of the clinic. Having lived in West Seattle for over 18 years, Dr. Arntzen appreciates how the blog has provided a sense of community and a source of information to West Seattle. She founded Westside Dermatology in 2004, and has since added Amy Nelson PA-C and James Collyer, MD to the practice. Along with General Adult & Pediatric Dermatology, they provide cosmetic services like Botox, fillers (Restylane and Juvederm), and laser treatments (laser hair removal, IPL photo rejuvenation, laser vein and spot treatment). They also have a full-time aesthetician, Jennifer Hogan, who specializes in helping patients develop a daily skin care regimen with dermatology-grade skin care products like Dermalogica, SkinCeuticals, and Revale. Jennifer also provides medical facials and chemical peels. They recently became one of the very few clinics in Seattle offering the Aluma Skin Renewal System, a radio frequency device that tightens skin and reduces wrinkles in a nearly painless, no downtime procedure. Appointments can be made by calling 206-937-8954. For more information, visit their website at www.Westside-Derm.com.” Thanks to Westside Dermatology for supporting 24/7 West Seattle news, information, and discussion by sponsoring WSB; all our sponsors are listed on the WSB Advertise page, along with information on how you can join them. (Reader Recommendations, by the way, now have a section all their own in the WSB Forums; you can find it here.)
We stopped in a while ago to check back with Michael Dein, who told WSB over the weekend (previous coverage here) that he would be reopening Puget Sound Key and Lock in Morgan Junction today, four and a half months after the as-yet-unsolved arson attack that gutted his shop – this photo was taken that day:
A month after the fire, West Seattle Blog Forum members put on a benefit to raise money to help him reopen; today he wanted to thank them – and he also told us his new start is off to a good start:
As reported over the weekend – he is giving back to the community, by offering a special service for domestic-abuse victims (read about it in our Saturday report). Puget Sound Key and Lock is at 6016 California SW, on the north edge of Morgan Junction.
Several new job openings have appeared in the past few days in the WSB “West Seattle Jobs Offered” forum, so we wanted to remind you it’s there as a FREE service, for businesses to post West Seattle jobs, and for jobseekers to browse WS jobs. Our only requirement is that the job(s) must be physically located in West Seattle, and please let us know when the job’s filled so we can remove your listing (otherwise, there are no artificial limits so far like “posting good for a week only”).
10 months to the day after we mentioned a store called Fresh Vitamins had filed for various permits indicating a plan to move into a Westwood Village storefront (original WSB report here) – it’s finally open. Noticed this during a detour through WV this afternoon; the “open” sign (not pictured) forced us to stop and scamper in to ask when they’d opened — answer: last Tuesday. A quick peek at the inventory (shelves aren’t fully stocked yet) reveals some natural-food items as well as vitamins and other supplements; the ad circular tacked up on a board by the door confirms the same company owns Natureway in The Junction. Posted hours for Fresh Vitamins (just west of Bed Bath and Beyond) are 10 am-6 pm, Mondays-Saturdays.
(3/26/08 WSB photo)
He vowed he would rebuild, and now he has: Four and a half months after the arson attack that shut down locksmith Michael Dein‘s business, Puget Sound Key and Lock on the north edge of Morgan Junction, he just sent word the shop is about to reopen – and planning to offer a special service:
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am re-opening my shop on Monday!!!
I got my keys back yesterday, and am taking this weekend to set up the shop, so i just wanted to take a second to thank everyone for their support in helping me to reopen my shop. I look forward to being able to continue to serve the community, which I have truly grown to love.
Many of you may not be aware of how serious a problem domestic abuse is in modern society, and in an effort to do our share in making the exit of an abusive relationship safer, we will provide, free of charge, rekeying services to the victims of domestic abuse who have obtained “no contact,” “restraining” or other such lawful decrees. This is an open-ended offer, and we are available 24/7.
Thanks again,
Mike Dein – Puget Sound Key & Lock
206-933-8882
To this date, no arrest has been made in connection with the March 21st early-morning fire that gutted Dein’s shop (6016 California SW); tips are still welcome at 800-55-ARSON. Dein told us the day of the fire that he had no insurance, and that moved WSB Forum Community members to action; a month afterward, they put on a well-attended fundraiser (WSB coverage here).
While driving by this corner on the north edge of The Junction (map) a few days back, we spotted that sign in the window at the closed-for-a-while shop Divina — and an open door, so we hopped out to see what we could find out about what’s going on, since we’ve received a few recent e-mails from curious passersby. We found Divina owner Julie Mireille Anderson doing some painting during a day off from her “day job”; Julie explained that she’s working on a new version of her shop – after a few potential subleases fell through, she’s now developing a plan that may include “seasonal retail” as well as utilizing it as an event space for arts, education, other community-focused efforts. The space immediately east, meantime, is in the process of becoming Salon 08, with some of the hair stylists who have been working at nearby Friends; they told us recently they hope to be open by Labor Day. Oh by the way – the sign you see in the photo isn’t apropos to anything in particular but joie de vivre; one of Julie’s artist friends made it.
Today we’re welcoming the newest WSB sponsor, Fauntleroy Chiropractic Clinic, which has been in West Seattle for more than 25 years; 
Dr. Bryan Wiebe and Hillary Wiebe took over the practice a decade ago. Fauntleroy Chiropractic Clinic sees patients for injuries and treatment, as well as for wellness and preventive care. FCC offers therapeutic massage onsite. They are on most insurance plans, and offer affordable cash plans too. You’ll find Fauntleroy Chiropractic Clinic at 4520 Fauntleroy (map), online at www.fauntleroychiro.com, and by phone at 206/932-6605. We appreciate the support of Fauntleroy Chiropractic Clinic and all our sponsors, who are listed on the WSB Advertise page, where anyone interested in joining them can also find out how (the latest toplines on WSB traffic growth are on that page too). Welcome, Fauntleroy Chiropractic Clinic!
Next Monday, Fresh Air Body Fitness starts a new outdoor-fitness “boot-camp-inspired” class at Lincoln Park; 
this morning, they join WSB as sponsors to let you know about that, and what else they are doing as they invite you to “Air Out Your Workout!” Photo shows Diana Smith (left) and Alex Haas, who write: “As the owners and operators of Fresh Air Body Fitness boot camp inspired classes in West Seattle, we are dedicated to helping our participants reach their fitness goals. As certified group fitness instructors with experience teaching a variety of formats, we believe that it is more motivating to have a group of energetic individuals working together than it is when we go it alone. We take pride in the challenging and balanced exercise programs we implement outside of the usual gym walls. Our beautiful city parks offer a varied terrain that ramps up any workout. The elements push us to work harder while at the same providing a mental boost that makes the time fly! We appreciate our partnership with community organizations such as the Parks Department and even area schools. In addition to holding classes in the West Seattle area, we bring our revitalizing exercise program to the workplace. We are looking forward to a bright future in reaching many individuals across all ages and fitness levels with the hopes of impacting their lives in a positive way.” The Fresh Air Body Fitness website has full details on the cost, time, location, and how to reach Diana and Alex. We’re glad to have them on board along with our other much-appreciated sponsors, all listed on the Advertise page, where you’ll also find a brand-new update on WSB traffic, and information on how to join the sponsors who help keep West Seattle’s 24/7 news source growing. Welcome to Fresh Air Body Fitness!
That’s the alley stretching south from Alaska, between 42nd and California (Rocksport on one side, Super Supplements on the other). The company that wants to build a two-building development on both sides of that alley has just filed its formal request for “vacation” of that alley, in order to build one underground parking garage (including land that’s under the alley surface) to serve both buildings. SDOT review and City Council approval are required, and this afternoon, representatives of several Junction businesses and the West Seattle Junction Association told WSB they want you to help them fight against approval of that request. If it’s granted, they say, the alley will be closed for at least a year – and they say that will kill the businesses that rely on alley access for deliveries. Read on to find out about the action they want you to take if you support their campaign — and to get more details on exactly what is happening here:Read More
For the third straight August, best-selling sci-fi/fantasy author Terry Brooks, who has a home in West Seattle, will mark the release of a new book with a reading/Q&A/book-signing event at the Westwood Village Barnes and Noble. (Read our August 2006 report here; our August 2007 report here – the photo at left is from that appearance.) According to Brooks’ website, terrybrooks.net, it’s at 6:30 pm on August 27th, one of two Seattle appearances he has planned in conjunction with the release of the next book in his “Genesis of Shannara” series, “The Gypsy Morph.” ASIDE TO BOOK FANS – ANOTHER B&N EVENT COMING UP THIS WEEK: We originally got into book-info-finding mode tonight after getting a note from the Westwood Village B&N about a book-release party this Friday night for a different author, different series (with a related discount offer for WSB’ers) – read on:Read More
As demolition proceeds on the 39th/Alaska/Fauntleroy ex-Schuck’s (etc.), the project on the site of the ex-Schuck’s that was knocked down seven months ago at California/Charlestown (WSB coverage, with video, here) is close to completion. It’s been six weeks since our last update, so we just checked back this morning with the leasing agent for Charlestown Center, Joe Beynon, who says he can reveal two of the businesses that are going in — Anytime Fitness is leasing two-thirds of the top floor, a hair salon called Budget Cuts is leasing part of the first floor. Who else is moving in? Beynon says he’s “not at liberty to disclose that” just yet. The spaces will be turned over to tenants on August 7th.
Two quick notes: West Seattle Aikikai sends word of a free introductory aikido class this Thursday night. More info on its website. Also, longtime WSB’er “The House” sent word of the “buy one, get one free” promotion at Jamba Juice, with two more days to go. Go here to get the coupon; JJ’s one West Seattle location is on the northeastern side of Westwood Village. Got a freebie? Let the WSB world know.
The preview’s at 8 this morning, auction’s at 10, for the fixtures and furnishings from the former Corner Inn at California/Fauntleroy, less than two months after it abruptly shut down. The James G. Murphy Auctioneers website has a list of items, plus pix. Besides the coin-operated pool table, there’s the piano, the organ, and pie case, among other things. (The auction is at the shuttered restaurant/lounge, by the way.)
Earlier this month, we linked to a short newspaper report about a West Seattle entrepreneur’s big victory in court. His business is one of a kind: Making plastic wishbones so everyone gets one on Thanksgiving (or Christmas, or whenever else you serve turkey – or, so you can have one even if you DON’T serve turkey; face it, no wishbones in Tofurky or Field Roast). Having never met Lucky Break Wishbone Corp. president Ken Ahroni, we envisioned perhaps a slightly wild-eyed eccentric, oh, say, toiling out of an artsy spot at a facility like ActivSpace. But when he agreed to chat with us for a followup on the court case and what’s next, we discovered we were way wrong:Read More
FIRST: A “public auction” sign is now up at the closed-last-month (WSB coverage here) Corner Inn (auction’s next Tuesday; here’s the item list, on the James G. Murphy auctioneers site) … SECOND: Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) has sent an e-mail alert to customers that sidewalk work outside their business and others (west side of California SW between Juneau and Findlay) will start Monday, last three weeks, and affect parking. THIRD: Pink notes like this are on doors at Denny Middle School:
Thanks to the WSB’er who tipped us that Seattle Public Schools posted notices that it’s treating Denny with pesticide today. The notices say they’re doing it in the lunch room and bathrooms, and the pesticide is Onslaught.
Today we’re welcoming the newest WSB sponsor — West Seattle Bowl on 39th just north of Fauntleroy (map). Owners Andy Carl and Mike Gubsch have a lot to share about one of the most fun places in West Seattle: It’s 32 lanes with a full Chinese /American restaurant (Terrace West) and lounge, and it’s one of the few remaining bowling centers in the Seattle city limits. Though West Seattle Bowl was established in 1948, today it is arguably among the most innovative centers in the nation. They were the first center in the U.S. to have an online reservation system incorporated in its website and have had more than 1,000 online reservations since the system started in July 2007. Before that, they were one of the first centers to post league standings online back in the ’90s. And coming soon: Game night on Fridays. This will be a fun interactive contest using a variety of games tied to the scoring system that everyone can participate in while bowling. Winners will receive prizes. Plus, right now – you can win a free bowling party for 30 people valued at $1000. Go to www.westseattlebowl.com and for each online reservation you make between now and August 31st you will be entered into a drawing for a bowling party for 30 people to include, a custom drill bowling ball and bag for the winner and a party for 30 people to bowl for 2 hours, catering by Garlic Jim’s (pizza and salads), and a $250 beverage allowance in our lounge. There’s even more to the West Seattle Bowl story, including special deals they offer, and other ways in which they’ve been trailblazers — read on:Read More
One month after a sighting of a fuel-tanker truck at that long-closed gas station on Roxbury a few blocks east of 35th, multiple reader reports say it’s now open – thanks to Tom for the photo. You’ll note its branding is still under wraps; the station’s official name is simply Roxbury Gasoline, according to the liquor-license filing we saw a day after the truck sighting.
WSB contributing photojournalist Matt Durham sent that photo he shot a while back of West Seattle entrepreneur Ken Ahroni and his Lucky Break Wishbones, with word the Times reported over the weekend that Ahroni won his lawsuit against Sears. The story also says the long legal fight has taken something of a toll on Ahroni’s business, but he’s hoping to get back on the growth curve with a new marketing campaign.
Swedish Automotive recently joined WSB as a sponsor, and we’re telling you about it with a bit of a lag but in time to get out the word about its annual T-shirt giveaway/contest and bag giveaway. 
First, about Swedish Automotive: Swedish has been West Seattle’s Volvo and Saab repair service center since 1983. Owner Dave Winters says his business philosophy is based on his mother’s old saying – take care of your car, and your car will take care of you. Now, about the T-shirts: Right now Swedish is giving away free reusable canvas shopping bags (timely!) and free T-shirts to anyone who stops by. You do not have to have work done on your car to get a T-shirt and/or bag, nor do you have to own a Volvo or a Saab. But here’s another incentive to stop by for a shirt: Between now and the end of August, Swedish Automotive is having its annual T-shirt picture contest. Swedish wants you to send a picture of yourself wearing their T-shirt while on vacation. The person who sends the picture from the place FARTHEST away from Swedish will win dinner for two at Salty’s. (Get your photo to Swedish by 8/31; winner will be announced 9/15.) All pictures must show the wearer next to an identifiable landmark to be eligible. Dave tells us past winning photos have come from all over — Europe and Asia included. To date, the picture that was taken the furthest from Swedish was sent from the tip of South Africa. But even in this time of “staycations,” the T-shirt and reusable bag can come in handy, so visit Swedish Automotive at 7501 35th SW (map), 206-938-8685. We thank Swedish Automotive and all our other sponsors for supporting WSB; interested in joining them, to have your ad seen an average of 16,000+ times every day (6/08 stats)? Here’s where to start.
In today’s traditional WSB sponsor welcome, we want to share this information about RD House Real Estate & Property Management. 
Owner/Broker Ricky D. Sadler is a longtime West Seattle resident who started as an agent with the West Seattle John L Scott office, and sold his first house on Fauntleroy, across from Lincoln Park. An interesting trend that RD House has seen, especially in West Seattle, involves owners who decide to rent their property and manage it themselves but quickly realize that being a landlord isn’t something that everyone is cut out for. A myriad of issues all make self-management a very challenging, and unexpected, fulltime, job. RD House uses a flexible operation that allows them to virtually run the business from the field, which they say has been a big success – owners really value their responsiveness, the average days on market for their rental units over the past year is about 25 days, and they are steadily taking on new properties. Aside from running RD House, Ricky D sits on the board of the Seattle chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers and is involved in community support, such as Solid Ground, which provides emergency food and clothing banks, and he’s raised funds for First Place School, which provides a safe educational environment for homeless children. We appreciate the support of RD House and the other West Seattle-based businesses who sponsor WSB; you’ll find them all listed on the WSB Advertise page along with info on how other prospective advertisers can join them.
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