West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
West Seattle Cellars owners are continuing to work on finishing the neighboring space they once hoped would become a wine bar. It’s been a while since our last update, and signs of construction are more noticeable outside the building, so we dropped by today to check on how it’s going. Turns out that work will be done next month; Tom and Jan are showing the available space to anyone interested in opening a “compatible food store” – but only by appointment, no drop-ins (and no other wine vendors) – they’re setting appointments by phone at 937-2868.
Two months ago, we covered a hearing in West Seattle about permits the Nucor mill (Delridge/Andover) requested to modify a crane so it can add operating hours. (The red arrow in the photo above points to where that will happen.) For anybody keeping track, the official decisions are starting to roll in – just got a note from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency that it’s issued a permit required for this; you can read the associated fine print by following four links here.
Last weekend we told you about the draft West Seattle Walking Trails map (if you haven’t checked it out yet, feedback is still welcome) – tonight, the new Discovery Map, which we heard about from the folks at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor). They’ve written about it on their bizblog (if you haven’t already seen the entry in the latest roundup on our Blogs page), and are offering free copies at their shop in the Admiral District. You can also preview the map online.
Another new sponsor joined WSB this week — West Seattle State Farm Insurance agent David Newman (shown at right below in the afternoon sun/shade outside their office at 3435 California Ave a few days ago, with, left to right, administrative assistant Maggie Johns, associates Corrie Greene and Chris Little, and wife Melissa Newman), who you can reach online or at 932-1878:
Here’s what David wants you to know about his business: “We are a friendly office located in the heart of West Seattle, and take pride in our effort to support our West Seattle neighbors the best we can. Between our longtime staff and agent, we have a combined professional experience of over 50 years. West Seattle families who understand the importance of properly insuring themselves are happy that we take the time and make the effort necessary to protect the things that they find important. This office has a long history of supporting local youth sports teams and schools with sponsorship and donations. Most of our new clients find their way to us by referral. We are making a concerted effort to market our service in an ecologically friendly way by doing all we can to avoid mass mailings and other ecologically damaging mediums. Thanks for your business – it means a lot to us.” That’s one thing you can say for online advertising – it’s green! And it’s a great way to get your name in front of thousands of people who live and/or work in West Seattle, 24/7/365; to find out about joining the roster of our much-appreciated WSB sponsors, please start here.
For the second time today, we have good news for fans of fresh fruit and veggies — 
A few WSB’ers asked when Tony’s Produce will reopen for the year – so we just called & spoke to Tony himself, who says tomorrow is opening day, “8 to 8, 8 days a week, as usual.” He adds, “Just wait till you see the stuff I’ve got!” (If you haven’t been there before, it’s at 35th/Barton — map here — under the new red/white/green canvas installed before the holidays.)
(Photo from PR Newswire)
Target has just bought a fleet of Segways to patrol parking lots of its stores in several cities including ours. Gotta wonder if they will be deployed indoors too; per the police reports we read 2 or 3 times per week, their security team is pretty busy chasing – and often catching – shoplifters. (We’d call to ask but they might not take our call.)
When we stopped by West Seattle Bowl a month ago to ask about a reader-e-mailed rumor that it might close, not only did co-owner Andrew Carl say it wasn’t true, he implored us to write about it — which we usually don’t do when rumors don’t pan out (here’s what we ended up writing). At the time, we also told him we’d love to talk with him more about his business sometime, with high-profile closures elsewhere in the city leaving WS Bowl as one of the last pins standing. Last week – as Carl also got a spotlight in the latest Seattle Weekly – he finally had time for that chat:Read More
Just got a message from Illusions (WSB sponsor) asking us to let you know that they’ll be closed tomorrow for cleaning because of a trash-can mishap on Friday. Your editor here was actually there (incognito) getting a haircut when it happened, as, it turned out, was Rhonda from Beach Drive Blog, who had a camera handy. It seemed too small to bother noting here at the time – we’ve seen a lot of smoldering trash cans in our day – but a salon spokesperson says they’ve since decided to bring in professional cleaners to get rid of some extinguisher residue, so they’ll be closed tomorrow and hope to reopen at noon Tuesday. (More info on the Illusions website.)
April 15 is exactly two months away, and if you’ve got a refund coming this year, you’re probably gathering your paperwork already. 
This morning we welcome a new WSB sponsor from the tax-preparation business — the local H&R Block offices on California, on Delridge, and in White Center, owned by Christopher Price, CFP. Christopher tells us the West Seattle office was the first H&R Block in the state of Washington, opened in 1963, and also one of the first in the country. Its founder, Harold Orr, lived over the office at 4828 California SW and according to Christopher, eventually opened more than 100 Block offices in the state. When he decided to sell off some of his offices, Christopher bought the ones in West Seattle and White Center in 1991. Before that, Christopher founded and operated the H&R Block in West Berlin. The hours and phone numbers of his three offices here are in the H&R Block ad on the right sidebar, and you’ll be able to find them there all the way through Tax Day in 2 months. Thanks to Christopher for supporting WSB, and thanks to our other sponsors, all listed on this page along with info on how you can find out about joining them.
When former Skylark manager Matthew Darling left that North Delridge hotspot, we asked him to let us know where he wound up next. This week, he and friend Tracy Dart (both pictured at left) are launching a new events/PR firm called The West Seattle Scene; they’ve got an event happening tonight, in fact, and it’s not too late to get in on it, Matthew says:
The Valentines Day Bitter Hearts Junction Bar Crawl
Thursday Feb 14th 2008
All are welcome…singles…couples…group scenes (eww)!
We’re gonna crawl up and down the Alaska junction hitting all the bars we can. There will be a set crawl map available at the first bar, and many of the bars will offer a drink special to help us celebrate.
The ultra cool west seattle tattoo logo t-shirt will be available!!!
Please rsvp to westseattlescene@gmail.com
You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details and disclaimers!
That’s also the address where you can find out more about Matthew and Tracy’s new company … as well as the “ultra-cool West Seattle tattoo logo T-shirt” he mentions – logo shown at right. (And of course, as we’ve already said a dozen times today, the West Seattle Art Walk is happening in The Junction tonight as well … should be a wild night.)
Valentine’s night may belong to restaurants – but Valentine’s morning is crunch time for flower shops. Thanks to the folks at Linda’s Flowers and Gifts in the Admiral District for letting us drop in this morning while they worked frenetically to prepare hundreds of bouquets. Owner Linda Harader reveals how many – plus who prefers which color of roses:
We’ve talked about “I (heart) West Seattle” bumper stickers here several times before – now there’s a brand-new way to get one – at the monthly West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch today, the Chamber unveiled the stickers you see above. You can buy ’em for $2.50 at the Chamber office (3614 California, east side of street just south of Spokane; map). Lots of other info to share from the event – transportation was the main topic, with more on the Viaduct info presented last night at Cooper; also extra details on city projects such as the new ramps coming to the Spokane Street Viaduct end of the West Seattle Bridge, plus a county update on the Water Taxi – updates ahead.
This morning, we send out the traditional WSB sponsor welcome to Quid’•nunc (4522 California in The Junction), West Seattle’s best-known computer store. Here’s what the folks from Quid’•nunc want you to know: “Quid’•nunc has been serving West Seattle for 13 years with computer hardware, software, and accessories plus repair and networking services. Our goal is to provide you with quality products and service which will ensure reliable computer operations for you. We are always available to answer questions or offer advice. In the last year, we hired a great team of computer technicians. 
We are now offering on-site services for you and your business. If you need a part-time computer pro, please give us a call. We can set up a unique service contract to ensure your network runs safely and efficiently. Bill Hibler, owner of Quid’•nunc, [photo left] is a West Seattle local. He has lived here for 19 years. He is a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Westside Professionals – a BNI networking organization, a past president of the West Seattle Junction Association, a member of the board of trustees of ArtsWest, and a member of the board of Trusteed Properties, which owns and manages the free parking lots in the Junction. Bill is dedicated to the health and growth of our community. He lives, works and plays in West Seattle. He is an avid reader, cyclist and gardener. He regularly sponsors the West Seattle Garden Tour and hopes to have his own yard on the tour someday. Quid’•nunc has consistently supported the fundraising activities of local schools and churches and is a regular sponsor of West Seattle Girls Softball. A few years ago, Quid’•nunc was looking for a simple slogan to help people remember the store. We felt so strongly about ‘Quid’•nunc–Where PC means Personal Care®’ that we registered it as a Washington State trademark.” (Check the ad in the right sidebar for a special offer.) Thanks to Quid’•nunc and our other sponsors for supporting WSB; if you want to find out how to join them, here’s the place to start.
Caught that photo late morning while en route to the Viaduct event posted below – sign removal under way at the ex-Huling/Gee dealership location on Fauntleroy south of Alaska. Then before we could even post it this afternoon, we wound up hours later alongside the truck carrying the signs away:
Haven’t done a check on that property yet today but as we reported over the weekend, Huling land a couple blocks east is slated for a mixed-use project (we expect to talk with Harbor Properties tomorrow to find out more).
Thanks to the folks at Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) for the tip, which we just confirmed by driving by to see the new sign on the door: Red Cup Espresso in The Junction is now renamed after its late owner, Angelia Paulsen (backstory here), as Angelia’s Espresso. In a note to WSB that we published January 10, her husband Sean O’Dea had said he was thinking of making that change.
From Shannon Felix at Avalon Glassworks — which was honored as the 2007 West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year — it’s time to nominate the West Seattle business you think deserves that award next:
We ask your readers to promote their favorite local businesses by nominating them for this award!
The Chamber is now accepting nominations from the public for the local businesses that exemplify innovative and ethical business practices and contribute to the greatness of the West Seattle community. One business will receive this exclusive honor at the Chamber’s Annual Awards breakfast on April 9, 2008. Print a nomination form at www.wschamber.com or e-mail your nomination directly to pmullen@wschamber.com. All nominations must be received at the Chamber office by March 7, 2008. Nominations may be submitted by any individual … you can even nominate yourself. Visit the Chamber web site for more information, www.wschamber.com, or phone 206-932-5685.
By the way, the Chamber’s monthly lunch meeting this Wednesday (11:30 am, The Hall @ Fauntleroy) has an intriguing program focusing on transportation — with guests from Metro and the city Transportation Department. This will be the day after Tuesday night’s communitywide public meeting (5:30 pm, Cooper Elementary, but public comment doesn’t start till 6:30 so you can be “late”) about the fate of the “Central Waterfront” section of The Viaduct, so there’s much important info bound to emerge in the next few days about future transportation challenges — and opportunities.
Since we all discussed it so much … that’s mostly what we got pix of. As reported last night, Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama opened for business as of this morning, Admiral just west of California. Couple more pix ahead (and we’ll add a video clip later):Read More
Taking a quick moment on a busy day to welcome the latest WSB sponsor: Ventana Construction (5458 California SW, 932-3009). Here’s what the folks at Ventana want you to know about them: “Ventana Construction is a full-service remodeling contractor based in West Seattle. We are a family-owned business with a full staff of skilled craftsmen. 
We specialize in custom homes, whole-house remodels, and additions, with a focus on seamlessly blending the new areas with the existing home. We also do total facelifts on kitchens, baths and basements and build spectacular outdoor gathering places. We work closely with architects to build functional spaces with inspired design and stellar finishes. Creative solutions and unusual materials make our projects stand out. From custom-built Craftsman-style railings to modern steel and green materials, we build homes that exceed expectations. A successful project is equal parts quality construction and effective management. Our experienced project managers and office staff provide clear communication and the tools to track project costs and stay on schedule. We provide weekly reports on completion and a master calendar that includes deadlines for all material ordering. Those steps make for a calm, logical and predictable building process. We are Built Green members of the Master Builders Association and members of the National Association of Homebuilders. We are also members of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. Come visit us in our new offices at the corner of California and Findlay in West Seattle to find out more about our construction services. Or visit our website to learn more: www.ventanabuilds.com.” Thanks to Ventana for supporting WSB; to find out how to join the WSB sponsor team, check out our Advertise page.
We’ve been telling you (here and here) about this retro/nostalgia gifts/toys/etc. store moving into the ex-Hart’s space on Admiral west of California. Tonight, official word from owner Kent Sadow that his shop opens for business tomorrow (plus some info for those who wanted to know more about the treats he’ll sell): “We are opening the doors Friday the 8th. Finally!!! 10 am-6 pm. And yes, we have Beemans, Chick-O-Stick, Bit-O-Honey, Pop Rocks and alot more. Necco Wafers coming soon, sorry, no ‘Lik-m-ade’.”
As promised yesterday, the new market/deli opened first thing this morning (2820 Alki Ave, east of 63rd, same building as Cactus and All the Best Pet Care). ADDED 9:22 AM: Here’s a 30-second video look inside. Seems pretty much as described when we interviewed the owner for this article last month.
Thanks to Jo for the tip that it looks open now – we just called owner “Thampay” Thilakarajah; he tells WSB the store will officially open 7 am tomorrow. (Here’s our in-depth article from last month detailing what he says AUM will offer.)
As we first told you a week and a half ago, the former Hart’s Gifts on Admiral just west of California is becoming Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama, featuring “retro and nostalgic” merchandise. After seeing the sign go up (as shown above), we just checked with owner Kent Sadow regarding progress toward opening; he says it’ll be within the next few days, adding (for everyone wondering about retro candy possibilities), “Spent the better part of yesterday pricing Sugar Daddys, Good & Plenty, Chuckles, Candy dots (on paper) and a lot more.” He promises he will let us all know as soon as the “open” sign goes up.
Didn’t realize till reading this post on The Mortgage Porter (WSB sponsor) that Washington Federal is acquiring First Mutual. Both have West Seattle branches, both on California Ave; WF’s newly renovated branch in Morgan Junction, FM’s newly built branch is just north of The Junction. The acquisition closes on Friday.
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