(Photo courtesy Good Sister)

From the north end of Morgan Junction to the south end, Good Sister‘s move is finally complete and they’re celebrating their “grand reopening” this Sunday (March 10). The new location is 6959 California SW (from which Floors Plus Northwest moved to bigger digs at 6451 Fauntleroy). Good Sister says the 12:30-4:30 pm grand-reopening celebration – which coincides with Women’s History Month – will include “a pop-up market consisting of all women-owned businesses. Everything from vintage clothing & home goods (Baby Deer Vintage), treats sold by Food Network champion Jasmin Smith, tarot readings, permanent jewelry, tattoos and more!” In addition to merchandise, Good Sister offers spa services. They’re hoping for a good turnout on Sunday to help make up for a two-month closure, with their reopening delayed by “unexpected obstacles”: Good Sister’s hours for starters will be 12:30-4:30 pm Sundays, 12:30-5 pm Thursdays-Fridays, 11:30 am-5 pm Saturdays, spa services available for scheduling 7 days a week.

Today we’re welcoming Andy Randles, a real-estate broker with Ewing & Clark, as a new WSB sponsor. When new sponsors join us to advertise their local businesses to you, they get the opportunity to tell you about who they are and what they do – here’s what Andy Randles would like you to know:

“I have a depth of knowledge for Seattle real estate and neighborhoods, and love helping new neighbors move in. There’s so much to love about this area and working with people seeing everything for the first time is such a treat to be a part of.

“People appreciate that I’m patient and understanding. “Patience” shows up a lot in my reviews and leads to referrals and repeat clients. I also have a rich understanding of the home-purchase process and real-estate market to ensure clients have a smooth experience, and I help maximize their value.

:My community involvement includes serving as a chapter lead for Seattle YIMBY, and being a member of Circle the Block (a neighborhood watch group for Pioneer Square). In my spare time, I’m also a member of an American History meetup group! Here’s how to connect with me.”

We thank real-estate broker Andy Randles for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

This morning brings news of the biggest potential roadblock yet to the mega-merger that could put five of West Seattle’s grocery stores under the same ownership: The Federal Trade Commission is suing to stop the merger of Kroger (parent of QFC, Fred Meyer, and other brands) and Albertsons (parent of Safeway among others). West Seattle has two QFC stores and three Safeway stores, and among those, two – Junction QFC and Jefferson Square – are barely a block apart. To the south, Westwood Village QFC and Roxbury Safeway (a former Fred Meyer) are separated by just a few blocks. Sixteen months have passed since the $24 billion merger announcement. In its announcement today, the FTC alleges that “the deal is anticompetitive (and would) eliminate fierce competition between Kroger and Albertsons, leading to higher prices for groceries and other essential household items for millions of Americans.” The merger plan has drawn other opposition since it came to light, including U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal‘s call – announced in West Seattle – for the FTC to investigate. Kroger had sought to calm some concerns via a plan announced last September to sell some of its assets, including the QFC brand name (but not necessarily all QFC stores) to a third party.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the FTC announcement, its action “marks the beginning of a proceeding in which the allegations will be tried in a formal hearing before an administrative law judge.”

(WSB photo)

West Seattle Coworking‘s main location at 9030 35th SW will host dozens of students this weekend for a 24-hour code-a-thon. The event is presented by the nonprofit organization CodeDay, which explains that it’s “committed to providing inclusive opportunities for underserved students to learn about technology.” More than 70 students are participating and will be building games, websites, apps, and more between noon Saturday and noon Sunday, in what CodeDay explains will be “an immersive learning experience, with mentors and workshops guiding students through the process of turning their ideas into tangible projects.” CodeDay’s goal is to eliminate the financial burden for students to get tech knowhow, and toward that end, the announcement notes that they’re even providing “free laptops for the event that attendees can keep in order to promote a continued interest in coding beyond the event.” A CodeDay spokesperson says the opening ceremony (noon-12:30 pm Saturday) and closing awards ceremony (11 am-noon Sunday) are open to the public if you’re interested in visiting.

Thanks to Laurie for the tip! If you want a taste of the State Fair without going to Puyallup, you can catch up with the Fisher Scones truck at Metropolitan Market (42nd/Admiral) in West Seattle until 4 pm today.

West Coast Willow is now open at 5902 California SW. That’s the space vacated when Good Sister moved south to 6959 California, as reported here in December. West Coast Willow is right next to WSB sponsor Moon Room Shop and Wellness, and says that together they’re creating a “holistic corner” of the neighborhood, dubbing it the “Juneau Junction.” West Coast Willow explains, “We have a dreamy wall of bulk herbs (over 60 different herbs and spices), tea blends (which we will be blending on site for sipping and changing up weekly or more) and accessories, tinctures (made on site), candles, oils, smudge sticks and beautiful products from local makers such as flower essences, soaps, and roller balls. We also carry organic beauty products made on site by Nicole Leitner, our owner and local esthetician who has been working in the neighborhood for the last ten years.” They do facials and Reiki, and plan to offer classes and workshops. “Our goal is to inspire people to follow their intuition and feel confident in making their own herbal remedies and ritual practices.” Hours are 11 am-5 pm Sundays, closed Mondays, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 am-6 pm Wednesdays and Fridays, spa days (by appointment) Thursdays.

(WSB photo, November 2023)

Before we get to the rest of what’s up today, one biznote for ice-cream lovers – Colleen at Shug’s Mini (California/Charlestown) sends word that they’re open a bonus day today “for a special Wednesday Valentine’s Day treat.” Hours will be noon to 9 pm. Those are the regular Shug’s Mini hours Thursdays-Sundays, and, Colleen adds, “We will have specials throughout the weekend to help celebrate love, family and friendship.”

Today we’re welcoming Bhina Wolf Atelier LLC as a new WSB sponsor. When new sponsors join us to advertise their local businesses to you, they get the opportunity to tell you about who they are and what they do – here’s what Bhina Wolf Atelier LLC would like you to know:

In the heart of Seattle, nestled amidst the vibrant design community, lies Bhina Wolf Atelier LLC, an Interior Design Studio that breathes life into spaces, weaving dreams into reality. Founded by Bhina Agnihotri Wolf, whose roots trace back to lineage of artisans, the studio is a testament to her journey of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to her craft.

Growing up surrounded by the craftmanship of her grandfather, a skilled carpenter, Bhina’s childhood was imbued with a deep appreciation for the artistry of transforming raw materials into cherished pieces of furniture and décor. This early exposure ignited a fire within her, sparking a lifelong fascination with design and creativity. However, life took unexpected turns for Bhina when she embarked on a new chapter of love in a foreign land, only to tragically lose her husband. Amidst the throes of grief and despair, Bhina found solace in her art, channeling her pain into a newfound purpose – the pursuit of creating beauty and harmony in the world around her.

Bhina grew up in New Delhi, the capital city of India, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design. She brings 13 years of experience working on large-scale hospitality projects in Kenya, as well as a variety of luxurious residential spaces in major cities.

Collaborating on projects with Seattle-based Architectural firm Bailly & Bailly, they specialize in residential projects, ranging from one room to entire houses, offering services from designing, styling, and decorating to consultation on furniture and procurement.

At Bhina Wolf Atelier LLC, the designers believe that your home is your haven, you make your whole set of memories right there in every nook and corner of the gorgeous house you have made. Every detail is meticulously curated, every element thoughtfully chosen, to create an environment that inspires, enchants, and delights.

But beyond the realm of interior design, BWA is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of art. It is a reminder that amidst life’s greatest challenges, there lies an opportunity for growth, for reinvention, and the creation of something truly magnificent.

At BWA we all come from different countries and cultures. We all epitomize a fusion of artisan legacy and contemporary innovation, offering custom-made designs tailored to the client’s unique narrative.

10% of the profits from our organization go to our own foundation. We are working toward our nonprofit organization, which will soon be registered. It’s about sponsoring the education of children who are Dalits, orphans, and cannot afford education in India. Also, we try to be an active donor to Food Lifeline. Our commitment to community engagement extends beyond design, as we collaborate with these entities to foster meaningful connections and contribute positively to the social fabric of our neighborhoods.

Bhina Wolf Atelier LLC is based in West Seattle. Here’s how to contact them to discuss your project!

We thank Bhina Wolf Atelier LLC for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

Thanks to Ian for the photo and tip. The former Service King at 4501 38th SW is getting new signage today – for Crash Champions. The two collision-damage-repair chains announced a merger a year and a half ago. Crash Champions’ 500+ locations now include more than 30 in this state, half of which are listed online as former Service King sites.

Separate from this, we noted in 2017 that the land holding this business and the auto-parts store next door had been sold to an Eastside investor for $4.4 million; we noticed today that the owner’s website shows a future mixed-use project for the site, though there’s nothing about it (yet) in the city permit system – we’ll follow up.