West Seattle, Washington
22 Friday
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
(reader photo)
Thanks for the tips and photo! A “For Rent” sign is now up in the papered windows of the ex-bakery space most recently occupied by Bel Gatto (9253 45th Ave SW), and the long-time location of The Original Bakery at the Wildwood/Endolyne crossroads.
Last year at this time, the Pilates studio in the same building, Lagom Studios (4507 SW Wildwood Place), planned to expand into the bakery area, adding group classes and saunas. In the interim, Lagom Studios took over the space to the west of their studio, adding enough Pilates equipment for group classes.
“It ended up being perfect,” Lagom owner Melina Moore told us this morning. Moore says she realized it was also enough space for her business, particularly when the permitting process and requirements for the ex-bakery went well beyond what she had expected. She withdrew her permit request in late March.
That’s where leasing agent Kirsten DeWitt came into the picture. “We’re now looking for a fresh, new tenant. It could be office space, retail, anything that would be successful.” DeWitt says the 2,000 square foot space is empty of all the restaurant equipment and freshly drywalled, with one restroom. “It’s a blank slate.” The lease will be a base rate plus triple net. “Five years would be ideal,” she says. So far she says she’s received calls from people looking for spaces for coffee shops or restaurants, but they are “trying to stay away from that,” in deference to Endolyne Joe’s next door.
The owner of Joe’s, CHOW Foods, ran Bel Gatto for less than a year, blaming newly mandated wage and payroll costs for making the cafe and bakery unprofitable when it closed in early 2025. That leaves the open question about how to make a business like a bakery pencil out there. Still, the Original Bakery closed in 2023 as a successful neighborhood staple after more than 80 years in business, when owner Bernie Alonzo retired.
Moore of Lagom is excited to continue having her business on a thriving corner, even though giving up the bakery space means she will not be able to offer saunas, as she had planned. She says things worked out as well as they could have. “It’s already connected to my original space.” Moore says the exposed brick walls and tall ceilings have a more expansive feel, which is perfect for what she offers: Pilates, Reiki, sound baths, tea ceremonies and other special events. “Clients love this space too, it’s super airy.”
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Looking to expand your creative hobbies without the barrier of purchasing all new materials? CraftLab Seattle, opening this fall in West Seattle, will provide a space for prospective creatives to get a taste, and potentially pick up a new craft.
CraftLab has existed since 2022 as a mobile crafting service, founded in a West Seattle home, collaborating with local elementary schools, corporations, or hired for birthday and company parties. CraftLab founders Laura Duris and Kathleen Sande started the company in 2022, when Duris transitioned from the architecture field after 25 years.
“I decided that I really loved art and crafts and doing things with my hands. I noticed that a lot of other people were really enjoying doing that too during the COVID lockdown,” she said.
Currently, CraftLab is in around 12-15 afterschool programs all over Seattle – but they cater crafts to different audiences and age groups. Duris recalled throwing events ranging from creating a homemade Pokémon catapult and magic mirror, to introducing adults to the worlds of weaving, macrame, painting, and beading. Duris collaborates with her clients – getting a sense of their overall theme before suggesting a few craft ideas.
The new space at 4411 California SW brings to fruition Duris’s longtime desire to create a community hub for crafting. Now not only will she be continuing with mobile services, but offering in-house classes for adults, children, and families. Duris plans to have a year-round schedule, with 2-3 workshops offered per week. Initially, she wants to teach the majority of these, but plans to bring in guests and local artists depending on the activity.
“One of the things I really love to do is teach… and see people’s faces light up when they realize they can do something that they didn’t know they could do.”
Duris hopes CraftLab will be open to the public around September 15. As for any initial events planned, she mentioned wanting to teach a weaving class – where attendees make their own loom and weave – and is especially drawn toward jelly printing and linoleum printing. Recently, she attended Seattle’s Zero Landfill event, where she picked up plenty of leather scraps with which she is planning a leather wallet-making class.
CraftLab mainly sources materials secondhand – accepting donations, upcycling, and thrifting “as much as possible” depending on the craft. Duris plans to host community garage sales out of the new space– selling some donations to keep raising money for after school programs.
Until CraftLab moves into its new home in West Seattle, the company will be hosting its youth summer camp out of their current location in the International District. Crafters are invited to explore their creativity there in anticipation of the West Seattle based crafting hub opening in the fall.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce feted 2026’s Westside Awards recipients early this morning in a bustling banquet room. While each one has a different story and mission, they share a core value. “They are not just award winners,” said Chamber Board Secretary Jordan Crawley. “They are examples of what happens when people care deeply about their work and their community around them.”
That makes it no surprise that the dozens of nominees for the Westside Awards come from not just chamber members, but the larger community. Annually, the awards honor an established business, an emerging business, a not-for-profit organization, and an individual, the Westsider of the Year, all chosen from nominations detailing how they make a difference in West Seattle.
This year’s awards, presented by Nucor Steel Seattle (WSB sponsor) and a dozen-plus sponsors, were held at the The Hall at Fauntleroy, with colorful awards in the shape of a cresting wave created by Jen Austin with Green Fern Studio.
Chamber Executive Director Rachel Porter set the stage by pointing to West Seattle’s importance within the city – the oldest neighborhood, with 1/5 of the city population living on the peninsula — and chamber members within the context of the larger business landscape, where small businesses provide half of American jobs. “The work of building a community is too important to do alone,” she said. “You make West Seattle what it is.”
Next, it was award time. Chamber Vice Board Chair and emcee Brian Callanan provided introductions, along with a video featuring the award winner, followed by a few words from those accepting the awards.
The Center for Active Living was up first, with its Not-For-Profit of the Year award, and District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka introduced the video, mentioning funds he helped secure in the last round of budgeting to support senior centers citywide. “They do terrific work,” Saka said. “The center has been truly a cornerstone of this West Seattle community for decades.”
The center’s executive director Amy Lee Derenthal was featured in the video, talking about the ways The Center for Active Living, formerly the Senior Center of West Seattle, is working to make sure older community members don’t feel alone where they live. “Isolation is super real. … but we have something we can do about it here at The Center.” That includes more than 40 weekly classes, meals at Margie’s Cafe and special events. “It shows all the work the board and staff has done.”
Board Chair Kristine Milkovich accepted the award for the board and staff. “On behalf of the center, we are so grateful,“ she said. “I’m 55 years old and I’m the target audience. It doesn’t start at 85 to 90 or 100. It starts today.”
Fourth Emerald Games, which Callanan correctly guessed is a reference to the Shadow the Hedgehog game, opened in 2025 above Rush Hour (4517 California Ave SW, Suite D). A “retro video game lounge,” Fourth Emerald is place to buy, trade and play a wide variety of games in lounge areas, along with an event calendar that includes competitions.
In accepting the award, Joshua and Tiara Silas said they have felt warmly welcomed. “One way I always found to connect with people was through video games,” said Joshua. “West Seattle responded in kind.” He said the enthusiasm has been gratifying, and he sees Fourth Emerald filling a need in the community. “One of the hardest things to get now, and that’s a good time … a novel experience. Thanks to the best side of Seattle.”
The Westsider of the Year for 2026 is Jessica Pierce. If you don’t know her name right off, you likely do know West Seattle Junction FC and West Seattle Rhodies FC, the two semi-professional club soccer teams that call Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex their home pitch, thanks to team founder Pierce. “Two teams in two years,” Callanan exclaimed. “Amazing! She believes in professional soccer.”
In accepting the award, Pierce had news. “The Rhodies are # 1 in the entire country right now.” The loudest applause of the event followed. She also had enticements. “They play again this Sunday. They play the Ballard FC team, Salmon Bay. I hope that you can help join and break our attendance record. It was 1,600 last year.” Nino Cantu has a capacity of 3,500. “We have Ben with Viscon [Cellars] pouring wine, the (DubSea) Fish Sticks food truck. If you don’t love soccer, you will.” Pierce also might get an attendance boost from some free tickets being given out through the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) and West Seattle Food Bank. “I wanted to make sure that anyone can walk into our stadium on a Sunday afternoon.”
In the video, Pierce said she is grateful for the honor and the support. “We’re very fortunate to be in a community that embraces us. So many key people through the community; the connections have been incredible.” Pierce said she loves to sit in the stands, “and turn my head side to side, seeing my new friends and family.” Rhodies FC games run through the end of June, while Junction FC goes through the middle of July. “West Seattle can have its own little mini-FIFA,” Pierce smiled.
The final award of the morning went to Business of the Year West Seattle Bowl. Co-owner Jeff Swanson couldn’t resist the dad joke, despite the early hour. “We were bowled over,” he laughed. Swanson accepted the award on behalf of himself and the other two owners, Mike Gubsch and Andy Carl. Swanson has been there for 27 years, which is still just a fraction of the bowling alley’s history, which started in 1948. “We’re one of only two centers left in Seattle city limits,” he said. “There used to be 50. We continue to be independently owned. We’d like to thank the community for supporting us.”
Swanson says their family-friendly approach (offering birthday parties, fundraisers, and other celebrations) plus making the alley a “second home” to league bowlers has been a key to their continued success, along with a number of long-term employees. But he also says the sport provides a unique opportunity in a busy world. “Bowling is face-to-face, in person, no phone or distractions. You experience memories with family and friends right there.”
Swanson recounted that the West Seattle Bowl owners branched out last year to purchase Secoma Lanes in Federal Way when it went up for sale (as we reported here), noting that it could have been lost to redevelopment. Swanson says they’re encouraging the next generation of bowlers to get involved by participating in the Kids Bowl Free program again this summer, good for 2 free games a day for kids 17 and younger.
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce started their Business of the Year award in 2007, added the Westsider of the Year in 2010 and the other two awards in 2011. Past winners are listed on the chamber’s website.
Four and a half months after announcing the new home of Thunder Road Guitars and co-housed The Bass Shop (both WSB sponsors), TRG proprietor Frank Gross has revealed the opening date – and he’s inviting you to the celebration:
We’re having a party and you’re all invited!
I am thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new Seattle Thunder Road Guitars. This new location is almost a year in the making and we are over the moon with how it has turned out. Join us for a weekend to remember and help us break in the new store the right way.
Lots of exciting details to come, so stay tuned!
Saturday June 6th & Sunday June 7th. Doors open at 10am. Store ribbon cutting at 9:45am
2611 California Ave SW
Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop are currently at 6400 California SW; TRG was in The Junction and South Admiral before that. The new location was previously the home of Mud Bay, which moved kitty-corner to the northeast corner of the Admiral/California intersection.
(Reader photo)
Thanks to everyone who sent tips about that sign sighted in the Morgan Junction storefront window that was long Little Prague (and briefly a barbecue pop-up). We tracked down Royal Bagel‘s prospective proprietor Eric Brougham, who provided this statement:
Royal Bagel is planning to open in Morgan Junction late this year at 6045 California Ave SW. A homage to the owner’s relative Royal Brougham, the great Seattle Post-Intelligencer sportswriter and local philanthropist, Royal Bagel will offer New York style bagels and schmear to-go with plans to eventually extend its menu. Updates to come as opening plans are established.
West Seattle doesn’t currently have a dedicated bagel shop; Zatz A Better Bagel closed in The Admiral District in 2015.
PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
The first Van Life Fest at new West Marginal Way SW business Castle Climbing Club turned out to be more of a mini-fest, with just a few van owners showing up. Jim Gruff was there showing off the new van he drove up recently from Louisiana, where it was built:
Kirk Hoppy takes his van to national parks for months at a time; he also volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization. He marks the disasters he’s responded to with stickers on his top cabinet – six hurricanes and five tornadoes, among others.
The vans weren’t the only attraction.
The Climbing Club also had some bouncingjumping going on, with a giant inflatable landing pad of sorts:
We peeked inside too:
Castle also has a sauna.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
5:35 PM: If you’ve decided at the last minute to join the West Seattle Junction Association Wine Walk tonight – good news, we’re told WSJA is still accepting walk-ups at the two check-in spots for tickets, Kendall Dental at California/Genesee (above) and Washington Management (4554 California SW). From there, more than 30 wineries (listed here) are partnered with Junction businesses tonight – all three of WSB’s winery sponsors are participating – Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor from South Admiral) is pouring at Hotwire Coffeehouse (4410 California SW):
Wolfpack Cellars (WSB sponsor from White Center) is pouring at Bakery Nouveau (4737 California SW):
And Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor from north Morgan Junction) is pouring at Brocante Beach House (4529 California SW).
The Wine Walk is on until 9 pm – more photos later!
ADDED 9 PM: As promised:
Above, Menashe Jewelers hosted Aluel Cellars; below, Supermassive was pouring at Gene Juarez:
Wine Walk tickets not only bought you multiple pours, but also souvenir glasses:
John L. Scott hosted Pine Lake Cellars:
People who visited Cherry Consignment sampled Bacovino (which has a tasting room on the downtown waterfront):
Cloudlift Cellars poured at Spruce Apothecary:
Spruce Hill Winery from SODO was at Rush Hour:
Still a few more to add!
The vacancies in The Junction continue to vanish, one by one. We’ve already reported on Anchorhead Coffee taking the ex-Starbucks spot, the Dave’s Hot Chicken and Gong Cha plan for the former Haymaker space, Viva Arts going into the ex-Three Little Birds, the official opening of Oona in the ex-Willow storefront … and now The Works Seattle, a Fremont business run by West Seattle resident Kellie Phelan, has uncloaked for the ex-Click!/Seattle E-Bike storefront at 4540 California SW. Phelan just signed the lease for the new home of The Works Seattle this week. We had been talking with her via email since just before the signing finalized her plan. Here’s how she explains The Works Seattle:
I spent the first decade of my career in environmental consulting, drawn by a desire to make a positive impact. Over time, I found myself wanting to focus that impact closer to home: building community, connecting people, and creating space for adults to learn from one another. In 2018, I founded The Works Seattle as the kind of place I felt was missing: somewhere adults could come together to make things with their hands, learn new skills, and connect with others in a genuinely welcoming environment.
We started in my kitchen and grew into a brick-and-mortar studio in Fremont, serving more than 5,000 students a year. Eighteen months in, Covid shut us down. We built DIY Kits to keep our team employed, and they turned out to be something people loved enough to keep ordering long after. We came back from Covid stronger than we went in.
The Works is now eight years old, offering instructor-led workshops, private and corporate events, a drop-in Maker Bar, retail, and DIY kits. The move to West Seattle is the next chapter, and for me, a deeply personal one. It’s my neighborhood. I want to live and work in the same community, and I’ve been waiting a long time to bring The Works home.
Here’s what will happen in the new space, and what she’s adding beyond what The Works Seattle does in Fremont now:
The same things we’re known for: hands-on workshops and classes in printmaking, natural dyeing, embroidery, floral arranging, stained glass, and more. Plus a full Maker Bar. The Maker Bar is a way to make creativity more accessible and flexible, where you drop in, pick a project, and leave with something you’re actually proud of, all for under $50 bucks. We’ll also have expanded retail, a more robust private and corporate events program, and set open hours so people can count on us being there.
The Maker Bar is the biggest addition from what her business currently does: “We’re piloting it right now in Fremont, but the new space gives us the dedicated square footage and infrastructure to run it properly. The expanded retail footprint is also new, as are set open hours.” (Those hours aren’t finalized yet.)
Moving to West Seattle, she says, isn’t just because she lives here:
Bringing The Works home has always been the dream.
Our current Fremont studio is tucked away on a lower level with an alley entrance. You can find it if you know where to look, but you don’t stumble across it. Alaska Junction puts us on the main drag. What if people could just walk by and see us? See their friends and family, their community, all making things, and think: “I want to do that.” That’s exactly what we’re going for.
And this move is personal in another way too. Last year, my daughter went through a bone marrow transplant. Being away from the studio for months gave me a lot of time to think about what matters and what I want to build next. I want to live and work in the same neighborhood. I want my kids, who have grown up in every one of my shops, to be able to walk down the street and see what’s possible when you believe in something and keep showing up for it.
As for the timeline: “We’ve applied for our building permit and will begin construction once that comes through. We’re targeting a fall opening. In the meantime, classes at the Fremont location continue through the end of August.”
6:16 PM: We’re out right now on the West Seattle Art Walk – tonight, featuring the new business that a longtime Junction fashion entrepreneur is opening:
That’s Linda Walsh, who – as we reported here – proprietor of Carmilia’s, and now also taking over the 4536 California SW space a few doors down where Willow recently closed. Tonight she’s introducing her new shop, Oona:
As the sign says, Oona is open for a “dress rehearsal” tonight and also tomorrow during the West Seattle Junction Wine Walk tomorrow night; then regular hours start next week.
(Added: From tonight’s pop-up shop at Oona, by textile designer Hemloya)
The name, which Walsh attributes to Irish/Celtic mythology, was inspired by a friend. … More from the Art Walk shortly!
6:30 PM: Above, that’s Kay the Paint Lady, at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) tonight, leading free guided painting with Art Walk visitors:
6:52 PM: Toward the north end of tonight’s Art Walk map, Dan Jacobs is showing photos at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
Many of the photos were taken during a trip to Italy last year. We visited WSG early on tonight; ceramic artist Lora Radford was scheduled to join him a bit later. … Toward the south end of tonight’s Art Walk, we stopped by Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), showing work by Lea Basile-Lazarus:
7:20 PM: Even further south, you’ll find art at West Seattle Cellars (6016 California SW):
Jesse Holt created these pieces with keyboard keycaps, and he says they often have secret messages buried within them, to make them very multilayered:
More artists are featured in this month’s lineup preview on the Art Walk website.
Get stronger in time for summer! Longtime WSB sponsor Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction is offering a discount on this personal-training program:
Fitness Together West Seattle
6-Week Women’s Strength Program (1:1 Personal Training)Get 12 private 1:1 sessions in 6 weeks — a clear plan, expert coaching, and accountability so you actually follow through.
$972 (save $200) includes:
-12 sessions with a certified personal trainer in a private suite
-Fitness Assessment
-2 x Body Composition Scan
-Personalized program
-Weekly women’s fitness and health education topics
-Journal to track learning and progressLimited promo spots. Click here now to claim yours.
Fitness Together West Seattle is upstairs at 4546 California SW in the heart of The Junction.
Big smiles last night for Matt Vaughan and Kisha Vaughan as they showed off the big award Easy Street Records just won, honored at the Music Business Association‘s Bizzy Awards in Atlanta as Independent Retailer of the Year. Here’s what the award honors, according to the association’s website:
(The award is f)or a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.
Matt Vaughan opened Easy Street in 1988, so its 40th anniversary is in sight! It’s not “just” a record store, but also hosts live, free in-store concerts – some of which have been turned into records! – as well as signings, listening parties, readings, and art exhibits – plus it’s home to a café and bar – all anchoring the heart of The Junction in the city-landmark Hamm Building on the northwest corner of California and Alaska. We asked Matt for comment on the award; his reply – “Not possible without all of you lovely people in West Seattle. We love breaking bands from all over the world, all genres of music, new and used; all while supporting our favorite labels, distros, pressing plants, graphic designers, engineers, photographers, journalists, radio stations, venues, and the musicians that make it all possible.”
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: We asked the Music Business Association for a bit more information on Easy Street’s honor. For one, they sent us more photos from the ceremony, including this one of Kisha’s jubilation while Matt speaks:
(Photo by Picture This! Photography)
We asked about some of the testimonials/comments that helped judges decide Easy Street should win. They sent some examples, such as:
Easy Street Records in Seattle is always on the front lines for our bands. A true partner to labels and distributors. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them on projects for over 20 years and their support is always there no matter what.
And this one:
Matt Vaughan and his team have made a real deal community center out of their store and cafe, and stepped it up even more in the last 5-6 years. They made a point to serve their customers during lockdown, bringing smiles to people when they needed it most. All retail had to change their ways during lockdown and think of creative ways to connect with their customers, but Easy Street went above and beyond with the most brilliant of ideas. Instead of hiding away during lockdown, Easy Street literally got out there on the streets! Matt would hand-deliver packages with his son in their Easy Street van. … They are one of the most well-respected stores in the country, and it’s time they awarded by the music industry…BIG TIME :)
One more:
Easy Street Records represents the culture of Seattle. It’s very difficult in this day and age to go to a city that has unique stores that define and represent their city. Easy Street not only is a giant sponge and encyclopedia of Seattle, it represents the past, present and future of the music industry. The store itself is amazing, but the restaurant, coffee bar and bar take it up a notch. It’s a one stop shopping experience! The staff are masters of their craft and you can tell all were hired with intent.
To be in Easy Street makes one feel as though they are a part of something special, the staff, the in-stores, the music playing overhead, the smell of coffee, the delicious food and amazing drinks make me yearn for one in LA, where I live. It is literally one of my most favorite places to visit in the world!
The Music Business Association sent a few others too in response to our request, but from those three, you get the idea.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The owners of a Thai food pop-up and catering business say they’ll soon be opening a brick and mortar location in the West Seattle Triangle for their smoothie and ice cream offerings. Go Go Mango will operate in the former West Seattle Brewing Company space at 4415 Fauntleroy Way SW once city permits are approved.
If Go Go Mango sounds familiar, you may have seen their pop-up at last year’s West Seattle Summer Fest, where the mango smoothies and other items sold so well that they plan to be back again this year. Owner Grace Crawford says they signed the lease on Fauntleroy last year. “We wanted to do a lot of things,” she said, but struggled a bit with how much to invest in the space, knowing that the building could be in the path of light rail.
She says she and her husband Jeff decided to do “the minimum things to use the space,” with the hope that they will be able to stay open there at least several years. That involved cleaning up from the brewery business after its eviction in 2025, and a few minor interior changes. They are planning for mostly take-out, with only very limited seating indoors and on the patio.
In addition to a variety of mango smoothies, there will also be mango sticky rice and a dessert unique to their business: coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell. Matcha drinks will round out the offerings. The Crawfords are expanding on the foundation of their Thai Street-Gourmet by Grace business, which does a regular pop-up at Pike Place Market and events like Seafair, along with catering, out of a commissary kitchen in Tukwila and warehouse space in South Park.
(WSB photo, February)
Back in February, we reported that Delphinium Delicatessen was on the way for 3902 California SW. We have an update tonight from proprietor Cindy Beaver:
My shop is an homage to a shop on Orcas Island that has since closed (the owners retired) called Roses. I will have fresh baked bread from Seawolf in Fremont/Wallingford, wine, cheese, charcuterie, a sandwich and soup of the day (vegetarian options always available) and kitchen goods/ other foodie items. I aim to carry items that aren’t readily available at Met Mkt, as well as some staples. I will be selling local goods (West Seattle) as well as national and international stuff. I’m currently waiting on plumbing to be completed and hope to get finished and open before June is over.
Once Delphinium is open, Cindy tells WSB, hours will be 11 am to 7 pm Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays).
Just announced, the recipients of this year’s Westside Awards, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce from nominees suggested by the community. Here’s the announcement we received from the Chamber:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize this year’s Westside Award honorees at its annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Presented in partnership with Nucor Steel Seattle, the awards celebrate the businesses and individuals whose dedication, vision, and service shape the character of our community year after year.
“West Seattle has always been a community that shows up for itself, and the Westside Awards are our chance to say thank you out loud,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “Every honoree this year represents something powerful: the idea that local business and community spirit are not separate things. They are the same.”
Westside Business of the Year: West Seattle Bowl
(2022 photo, student Nathan Tavel’s fundraising bowl-a-thon at West Seattle Bowl)
West Seattle’s only bowling alley started with 14 lanes in 1948, grew to 32 by 1959, and has spent every decade since proving that great businesses grow by giving back. This past year, West Seattle Bowl rebuilt and expanded its community fundraising program, hosting events like Bob’s Bowl-a-Rama for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Turkey Bowl for the West Seattle Food Bank, reaffirming what they have always believed: that a bowling alley can be one of the most powerful gathering places a neighborhood has.
Westside Emerging Business of the Year: Fourth Emerald Games
(WSB file photo)
In 2025, West Seattle residents Joshua and Tiara Silas opened Fourth Emerald Games with their own hands and one simple belief: games are better when you play them together. Built from the ground up as a true third place, it welcomes every age and background through monthly tournaments, community partnerships, and a retro video game lounge that is rooted in inclusion.
Westside Not for Profit of the Year: The Center for Active Living
(File photo, by Holli Margell)
The Center for Active Living fights loneliness and isolation every day, serving West Seattle’s adults through programs, meals, counseling, and a community that members say gave them their first real sense of belonging. In 2025 they expanded their reach significantly, partnering with a number of organizations to bring older adults through their doors each week for activities, lunch, and critical services.
Westsider of the Year: Jessica Pierce
(WSB file photo)
Jessica Pierce founded West Seattle Junction FC and the Rhodies FC on the belief that professional soccer should belong to everyone, hosting free youth clinics that served over 300 kids this year and partnering with King County to distribute 300 free tickets to every match so that no family is ever priced out of the experience.
Award winners and all nominees will be recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 7:30–9:00 am, at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Pricing for tickets is $55/65 per person. Get your tickets at wschamber.com.
Previous Westside Award winners in each category are available at www.wschamber.com/westside-awards.
One of the honorees, the Center for Active Living, had a big event of its own today – the annual fundraising breakfast – and we’ll have a full report on that later tonight.
4:07 PM: The West Seattle Junction space formerly occupied by Willow, preceded by Fleurt, will not be empty for long. A familiar Junction fashion entrepreneur is moving into 4536 California SW – here’s the announcement:
Well-known West Seattle staple Carmilia’s announced today that it will open a new store in the Alaska Junction, offering everything from skincare products to fashion accessories. The new store, located at 4536 California Ave SW, formerly home to Fleurt and Willow, will do a soft opening on Art Walk Night, May 14, 2026. Carmilia’s owner, Linda Walsh, is at the helm of the project.
The store will be filled with all of Walsh’s favorite things: shoes, accessories, and gifts, at a variety of price points. It’s the perfect place to find unique and playful items for your next celebration or shopping spree. The store’s scheduled hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-6 pm, and Sunday 10 am-4 pm.
Walsh told us she hasn’t yet settled on a name, so if you pass the future shop’s windows you will probably see “Watch This Space” as a placeholder!
ADDED 5:39 PM: “Watch This Space” photo added above. And it reminds us – that’s what Walsh put in the window at the former location of her original shop Clementine, on the west side of California just north of Oregon, before it opened, as we noted in this brief blurb 20 years ago!
.
(Photo courtesy Northwest Fitness Project)
When Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) proprietor Frank Gross announced his shop’s upcoming move to a bigger new home in The Admiral District, he also announced his current location in Morgan Junction already has a new tenant, Northwest Fitness Project, which describes itself as a “personalized strength-training studio.” Four months have passed since first word of their plan, and now NWFP’s proprietors have sent updates: They’re planning to open at 6400 California SW on July 11, with an open house that “will include classes, movement assessments, bodywork, exclusive merch, and more, with further details to come.” Also, co-owner Jeremy Stewart and executive trainer Steven Pust (both West Seattle residents, shown above) are looking for another executive trainer to join the team in “a full-time training role, not a sales role, to focus on leading small-group classes and working with a roster of personal training clients.” You can go here to find out more about the opening. NW Fitness Project was founded in Fremont eight years ago; the West Seattle studio is an expansion.
(WSB photos)
You still have two hours to get to West Seattle’s only comic-book store Tails to Astonish (5633 California SW) on Free Comic Book Day. You can get one free even if you don’t buy anything, more than one if you do. Proprietors Shaun and Nicole are having a sale for the occasion too.
The shop – in its fifth year – is open until 5 pm today.
(WSB photo, May 2025)
That was the scene at West Seattle’s only comic-book store, Tails to Astonish, on Free Comic Book Day last year – AFTER the rush. Tomorrow’s the big day, and Tails to Astonish has reasons for you to visit:
We will have free comics for all ages. One free comic for everyone who stops by, plus more with a purchase. SOME of the titles: Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Garfield, Masters of the Universe, Jem, Avengers, Amazing Spider-Man, Something is Killing the Children, Aliens, and more! We will also be having our Spring Cleaning Sale… all books in the large blue bins are half off sticker price OR if they don’t have a price they are just $2!
Tails to Astonish is at 5633 California SW and will be open 10 am-5 pm on Saturday.
Ready to get out on the water? Alki Kayak Tours is about to start offering new weekly opportunities for you to do exactly that. Here’s the announcement from AKT proprietor Greg Whittaker:
We are excited to launch new community paddling events at Alki Kayak Tours for the 2026 season. We live surrounded by Puget Sound, the second-largest inland sea in the US. This is the birthplace of modern sea kayaking, where many talented designers have created kayaks for our waterways and given us the tools to safely explore. While all of our neighbors appreciate Puget Sound from the shoreline, we offer a new perspective of West Seattle from the water.
This year we are offering weekly community paddles and classes that will eventually culminate in a Blake Island Overnight Paddle! Yes, we will train you to get you there, and offer classes to help people become comfortable on the water. Experienced paddlers with their own gear are invited to join these weekly events. You only need a waiver on file.
Weekly Community Paddles
Thursday Morning Paddle Club
kayakalki.com/morning-community-paddleTuesday Night SUPper Community Paddles
kayakalki.com/supper-community-paddleWe will also continue offering our Intro to Sea Kayaking and Rescue and Recovery classes, and we will add Navigation and Currents courses before the Blake Island trip.
These events are sponsored by Mountain to Sound Outfitters, so if you are getting into paddling, swing by the shop to start gearing up.
Mountain to Sound (WSB sponsor) is at 3602 SW Alaska; Alki Kayak Tours is at Seacrest, 1660 Harbor SW. Both of these weekly opportunities start in May – next week!
11:56 AM: 
With three Safeway stores in the West Seattle vicinity , a newly filed state consumer-protection lawsuit might be of interest. State Attorney General Nick Brown (a West Seattleite) announced the lawsuit this morning:
The corporate owner of Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores has overcharged Washington consumers in more than 3 million transactions over a five-year period through deceptive “buy one get one free” deals, Attorney General Nick Brown argues in a new consumer protection lawsuit filed today.
Boise-based Albertsons Companies, one of the largest grocery store chains in the country, owns and operates all Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores in Washington, totaling 225 retail grocery stores across the state.
The grocery stores entice consumers through “buy one get one free” (BOGO) promotions on staples such as bread, cereal, fresh produce, and olive oil. According to the complaint filed in King County Superior Court, the stores artificially hike prices of products slated for the supposed specials in the weeks or months leading up to a “buy one get one free” promotion, overcharging customers who purchase in the interim. Then they lower the prices within about 30 days after the deal is over. The net result is that consumers think they’re getting a second item free, but in practice, they’re just paying an inflated price for the first item.
For example, a Gig Harbor Albertsons hiked the price of a bottle of olive oil to $10.99 for the BOGO promotion from $6.99 a week earlier, an increase of 57%. After the “buy one get one free” deal ended, the store dropped the price back down to $6.99. …
From October 2019 to May 2024, the defendants overcharged Washington consumers on more than 3 million transactions, the lawsuit says. The stores brought in as much as $19.7 million by attracting consumers into their stores with these deceptive deals.
This is not the first time the defendants have been accused of unfair and deceptive BOGO promotions in stores in the Pacific Northwest. Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a 2016 class action lawsuit related to misleading “buy one get one free” deals in Oregon stores. The companies also settled a proposed class action case filed in 2023 in federal court related to deceptive BOGO promotions in Washington stores. …
See the lawsuit document (which cites other examples of the alleged practice) here. We have a request out for comment from Safeway/Albertsons.
12:26 PM: Here’s their comment, obtained via email:
We are aware that the Washington Attorney General has filed a lawsuit related to certain buy‑one‑get‑one promotions. We engaged in good‑faith discussions with the Attorney General’s Office and strongly disagree with its claims, which are based on flawed analysis and data errors that we identified and raised.
Albertsons Companies is committed to complying with the law and to offering customers clear value through our promotions. As this is pending litigation, we will address the matter through the legal process and cannot comment further.
Back in March, as reported here, the Alki Community Council announced a city commitment to install “pedestrian-level” lighting outside businesses in the wake of a burglary wave. This weekend, the lighting is being installed.
The videos were sent by ACC president Charlotte Starck, who told WSB this morning:
Lights are going up on Alki Avenue between 63rd and … at Christos and Do Si. These are the LED daylight-activated to help prevent crime given (the burglaries). It’s a positive step as we advocate for a safer Alki. Petro Fotopolous is thrilled.
Fire Tacos got theirs yesterday and owner Erica loved it. Also, the (staffer at) the bike rental place liked the idea so he has better lighting in the evening when he closes.
But that’s not all the ACC is hoping for, Starck adds: “We are still waiting on SDOT to let us know if they will do anything to make the restaurant row stretch from 63rd to 57th safer, to slow down and deter the burnouts and sprinting and donuts in the pedestrian high-traffic areas.”
After shutting down for electrical work earlier this week, as noted here Tuesday, the Space Age gas station at 35th SW and SW Holden reopened tonight. Four pumps are open, and two others are expected to be back in service Monday, but station staff told us no further closures are anticipated. If you need to fill up tonight, they’re open until 10 pm.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“Coming soon” signs are up and work is finally under way at the former Midas location at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW, where Sherwin-Williams is planning to double its presence in West Seattle by later this year. As we first reported in January, the store has been many years in the planning process. Sherwin-Williams is the only specialty paint store in West Seattle, though some other businesses, like Home Depot and Junction Hardware, have paint departments.
The current Sherwin-Williams location, at the intersection of Sylvan Way and Delridge, opened in 2013 and has 6 employees. We’re told by staffer Todd that they sell to a mix of homeowners and contractors, and that the second location is sorely needed. “Our back room is overflowing with the volume that we do,” he said. In addition to selling paint products and supplies, their store takes a variety of old and leftover paint products for recycling, though they have a limit on what they can take. The new store will mean more space for that program too.
Todd says the Fauntleroy Way store is expected to open in the fall with a staff of 4 and be, “focused more toward individual homeowners,” though he expects it will also be the new store of choice for some West Seattle-based contractors who live in the Admiral and Alki neighborhoods. “That store is going to be a game-changer for a lot of upper West Seattle contractors.” He also said to expect some opening-celebration events in the fall.
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