West Seattle, Washington
20 Monday
On the same day City Councilmembers were scheduled to have their first official discussion about the newest move toward a “head tax” (backstory here), more than 300 businesses around the city – including 50+ from West Seattle (our count of the names we recognized) – have signed a letter expressing concern. Here’s the letter and those who signed it (note that while it is dated March 9th, to our knowledge it is just being circulated today, March 14th):
The letter is similar to one circulated to West Seattle Chamber of Commerce members yesterday, in the name of the city’s Small Business Advisory Council, with an invitation for signatures. The new proposal is from a task force co-chaired by West Seattle’s City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and WS-residing at-large Councilmember Lorena González. It is not yet in the form of proposed legislation – that is expected later in the year. We weren’t able to monitor today’s council committee discussion but hope to link it here when the archived video appears on the Seattle Channel website.
West Seattle’s newest business opened today. The announcement from proprietor Jenny Melville:
West Seattle Pilates and Fitness is a new woman-owned business offering private lessons and group Mat/Props classes. WSP works with people who have varying injuries and pathologies as well as those who want to strengthen their body and minds. The owner has been a resident of West Seattle for the last 8 years and teaching Pilates for 7 years. West Seattle Pilates is located in the ActivSpace building (3400 Harbor Ave. SW).
Thanks to Teri Ensley (who you might know from Furry Faces Foundation) for the photo – as mentioned in our West Seattle Saturday highlights list, Jan’s Beauty Supply in The Junction (4517 California SW) is celebrating 34 years in business today, and you’re invited to stop by as the party continues until 5:30 pm. Cake, champagne, discounts – and memories!
(WSB photo: 44th/Oregon lot)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Those four “free” parking lots in The Junction aren’t really free.
As you are probably aware, the West Seattle Junction Association – area merchants and other businesspeople – pays to rent them.
And now that rent is in danger of skyrocketing out of their reach.
Today, representatives of WSJA and the parking lots’ ownership organization, West Seattle Trusteed Properties, met with King County staffers to make their case against a property-tax bill that has doubled – a bill that is entirely passed on to WSJA to pay, by terms of their lease for the lots; a bill that’s now at a sum that would drain the association’s finances quickly.
WSJA executive director Lora Swift brought this up to the merchants at their February 28th meeting at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (the same one at which a different parking issue, the city’s street parking study, was another big topic, as we reported that night). The 2016 taxes for the parking lots – again, entirely factored into the rent WSJA pays – totaled $53,000, she told the merchants. For 2017, that went up more than 50 percent, to ~$80,000. And this year, the tax bill has almost doubled, to $158,000. This isn’t just because of the higher tax rates that have affected so many; it’s also because a mitigating factor called “cost to cure” was applied for 2014, 2015, and 2016, but has expired.
And, Swift noted at the merchants’ meeting, the $158,000 is not the entirety of the rent – which would be “well over $220,000” for the coming year if the higher rate stands.
The 228 spaces offered to visitors for 3 hours of “free” parking represent a “source of civic pride,” as she put it, something unique to the West Seattle Junction. “For us to lose (them) would be tragic.”
Whether you’re seeing this as you end your day or as you get it started … maybe you can spare a few minutes for a good deed, if you haven’t done this already: Nominate someone for this year’s Westside Awards! Today is the final day to get your nomination(s) to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, which will again this year present awards for:
Business of the Year
Emerging Business of the Year
Not-for-Profit of the Year
Westsider of the Year
Criteria for the awards include:
-Nominees will have made a major or visible contribution in the past year that reflects commercial growth and achievement, innovation, creativity or community involvement.
-Contributes and promotes the economic growth, stability and improvement of West Seattle.
-Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to community activities.
-Consistently excels in customer service and business conduct.
Here’s the nomination form. See the lists of past winners by going here; this year’s awards will be presented at a breakfast event May 1st.
After a successful first year in Green Lake, The Inc. Community Coworking + Playschool is expanding to West Seattle. The nonprofit explains what it does as “community-driven, neighborhood-centric workspaces for parents which include onsite flexible drop-in care for their young children.” Its West Seattle location will be at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral (3050 California SW), and starting April 2nd, it will be open 9 am-1 pm Mondays-Fridays, with drop-in care for ages 1-5. That’s just the Phase 1 plan; future potential phases are explained here, which is also where you can buy a membership, or just donate if it’s something you want to support but can’t or won’t use. But first – The Inc. is hosting an informal Meet-N-Greet Open House 10 am-noon next Monday (March 12th) with coffee, doughnuts, and a chance to see the space and meet the team.
(Added: WSB photo taken this morning)
8:56 AM: Two months after we first reported that the site of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) had been put up for sale by its longtime landlord – C & P has just announced that its subsequent push to purchase the property was a success.
(WSB file photo)
From proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores:
Dear West Seattle and Beyond,
It is with the most profound gratitude that we can say we have raised the funds needed to purchase and preserve the coffee house.
Thousands of us stood together to say that community matters, and that a true community space like the coffee house is worth saving. That same spirit and kindness has always made C & P what it is.
All those who gave through the GoFundMe or by other means directly contributed to our effort to save C & P. From the countless friends and Neighbors who gave hundreds to the Fairmount Park student who shyly slid a dollar across the bar; every donation mattered. Please know with pride that we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to building friendships and community with you for many years to come.
This effort would not have been possible without the advice and expertise of so many from our community. Although resolute, Cam and I were over our heads many times during this process. Our motto was; “They don’t know the amateurs they’re dealing with!” Although there are too many to thank here, we would like to especially acknowledge our lawyers Eric and Brock, John Babauta and HomeStreet Bank, and our dear friend and broker Roger Steiner of RSVP real estate. Thanks also to our incredible C & P crew for putting up with us during this process. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.
Kindness has always been the cornerstone of C & P. For 15 years we have opened our doors and welcomed a neighborhood in. But it wasn’t until the place was in Jeopardy that Cam and I truly learned what community means. Your kindness and commitment has shown us clearly that the coffee house is more than four walls. It is a place where neighbors meet and strangers become friends. It is a place where music and poetry and art are essential. It is a place where social justice is expected and fought for. It is a warm cozy room on a cold day. It is a home. It is YOUR home.
With much love and gratitude.
Cam and Pete
The crowdfunding campaign that helped enable the purchase was launched less than a week after first word the property was on the market. Days later, the listing showed the owner had accepted another prospective buyer’s offer, but C & P said their lease gave them right of first refusal, and they continued working to muster their own offer. They founded C & P 15 years ago, and along with serving coffee and other beverages, it is an event venue and community center – hosting hundreds of gatherings, performances, fundraisers, and more.
ADDED 10:12 AM: We went over to the shop and got the photo of Cameron that we’ve added above. She says they cannot comment yet on details of the deal.
Two biznotes this afternoon:
SAMILA & CO. OUTLET BOUTIQUE: Starting today, a new “outlet” boutique is open in the commercial space in the live-work building at 4306 SW Walker Street – behind the California SW-facing brick building best known for Mioposto. It’s an “outlet” outpost of Samila & Co., based in Redmond, which offers evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and bridal wear.
Everything is off the rack. Our flagship store price range is $300-$800, so this will be a reflection of the those type of dresses at outlet prices starting at $99 and up and sizes 0-18. We are a pretty seasonal business and a destination store and fastly approaching prom season!
Though Samila is calling this a “pop-up,” it will have regular hours – but check the website, as the company tells us that what you see there now will likely change. Samila and Co. owns the space instead of leasing it, they told WSB, and is hoping to be there long-term.
PEP BOYS SIGNAGE: If you are a customer of Elliott Tire on Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, you have probably already heard that the 10-store chain was sold last year to Pep Boys. When we stopped in recently to ask about it, we were told the transition was official in December but they were still waiting for signage. Thanks to the tipster who told us this afternoon that it is now up:
Elliott Tire was founded in 1978. After taking over the chain, Pep Boys now has 20 locations in this state, almost a thousand nationwide.
Need someplace for your cat(s) to stay while you’re away? Cat Sitting Hotels is a new WSB sponsor, and here’s what they want you to know about what they do:
Cat Sitting Hotels was established in 2011 in Bothell, relocated to West Seattle in January of 2017, and in October of 2017 expanded into the space next door and doubled the size of the Hotel (now there’s the West Side and the East Wing). In West Seattle, we’re on the way to and from the airport for most of our previous customers (as they typically leave their kitties with us when they’re traveling) and also can fill a very big need in the Seattle area for really great luxury cat boarding with loving care from a staff who all have cats of their own and truly love them.
Cat Sitting Hotels began several years ago when the founder / owner needed to travel and looked into having his 4 cats boarded, and found that what was available was mostly smallish cage-like accommodations. Knowing he couldn’t leave them locked up in a small space for a week, he built the first 4 kitty suites in his living room for his own 4 cats. They were huge 4′ wide and 4′ long wood frame enclosures where they’d have plenty of room to move around plus a table and shelves to jump up and down from or sleep on. After returning, then procrastinating for a few months about taking them down, the idea came to care for other people’s kitties in these nice big comfy enclosures. It soon became a cat lover’s dream and his business building in Bothell was converted into the first Cat Sitting Hotel.
Quickly realizing he wasn’t the only one who was so deeply concerned about leaving their precious companions out of their own care, a webcam system was created so feline parents could see their kid from anywhere in the world where they could get internet access. Other recent high-tech options have recently been added such as the Petcube which allows our guest kitties’ parents to both view them and play laser light with them from the screen of a mobile device, or for those whose kitties aren’t into laser play, the Petzi includes the webcam and can dispense treats by touching your tablet’s feeder control. There are also available food bowls which only open for the kitty with that bowl’s tag on the collar, which keeps the food fresher and ensures that only your kitty can eat your kitty’s food. They can be especially helpful for guest cats from the same home but who have different / special diets.
Cat Sitting Hotels is at 3513 SW Alaska. See more photos and info at catsittinghotels.com or call 425-442-1941.
We thank Cat Sitting Hotels for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
It’s Westside Awards nomination time! Just announced:
Each year the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce requests the West Seattle community to nominate outstanding businesses and persons for the Westside Awards.
Business of the Year
Emerging Business of the Year
Not-for-Profit of the Year
Westsider of the YearWhat makes this award special is the nominations come from the West Seattle community and the nominees are judged based on specific criteria. Criteria for the awards include:
-Nominees will have made a major or visible contribution in the past year that reflects commercial growth and achievement, innovation, creativity or community involvement.
-Contributes and promotes the economic growth, stability and improvement of West Seattle.
-Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to community activities.
-Consistently excels in customer service and business conduct.
Please note that a nominee does not have to be a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Here’s the nomination form. You have until March 9th to get your nomination(s) in. Past winners are listed here; this year’s winners will be honored at the annual Westside Awards breakfast on May 1st.
This afternoon, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) became the third place that Historic Seattle has “heart-bombed” with Valentines and group photos. Executive director Kji Kelly explained a bit about the organization’s mission as the photo op was organized:
The @HistoricSeattle event at @candpcoffee pic.twitter.com/Xl6BhYN34Q
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) February 13, 2018
The gathering happened one day before proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores celebrate their coffee shop/community venue’s 15th anniversary:
Nothing to announce yet regarding their bid to buy the bungalow and the land it sits on – as we reported last Friday, they told us that the deadline for their counter-offer, after the site’s owner tentatively accepted one from a developer, is on hold.
Today we are welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Project 968. Here’s what proprietor Michael Browder wants you to know:
Our mission is to provide every member and client access to researched protocols to increase the effectiveness of their workouts and provide individualized support in a community setting.
The gym name is Project 968, where 968 is the alphanumeric equivalence to YOU. Our approach to fitness is to take the typical gym experience and improve it by adding personal attention and providing instruction in a more intimate setting. The concept of the gym is simple; provide a small functional space for community members to exercise freely and allow members to feel they have a sense of ownership. Couple that with a non-pushy sales approach, free daily workouts that can be done on your own schedule and a weekend boot camp.
In addition to providing a warm and inviting place to work out, Project 968 is about supporting the local community. Although we have been open just a few weeks, we are participating in the West Seattle Art Walk, have donated to three school auctions, and offer our local seniors 50% off their monthly membership with provided exercises to specifically help them as they age.
I have been in the fitness industry for a decade and have had the privilege to work with a wide range of individuals from 8 to 70 years of age differing in physical capabilities and goals. My skillset includes general fitness, athletic performance, weight loss and increasing strength, flexibility and mobility. Every member and client of Project 968 will be provided with up-to-date training protocols to enable them to reach their desired results while staying injury free.
If you want to experience a different approach to gym memberships and personal training, we encourage you to stop by the gym and join our Saturday boot camp or do one of our daily workouts as our gift to you.
I look forward to welcoming you and showing you why we are different.
Michael Browder, West Seattle resident
4617 37th Ave SW | 206-504-7661
www.project968.com | info@project968.com
We thank Project 968 for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
The latest list of “Only in Seattle” small-business-related grants was announced today by Mayor Durkan, and it includes $10,000 for a West Seattle collaboration. The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association are working on what WSJA executive director Lora Swift describes as “an outreach piece connecting new residents to small business in West Seattle.” The grants announced total $1.2 million distributed between 23 neighborhood business districts around the city, as listed here.
Two rounds of upcoming citywide awards will celebrate sustainability – and both have West Seattle ties.
HEART OF SEATTLE AWARDS: Adam Werner of Clean Air Lawn Care in West Seattle sent word of these – not just because his business is nominated, but also because, as he points out, other West Seattle businesses are too. You can vote here; note the locally linked businesses in the dining, grocery, and sustainable-services categories.
SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS: You can’t vote on these – the finalists already have been chosen – but the event at which they’ll be announced is happening here in West Seattle, and you’re invited. Sustainable Seattle will present the awards the night of March 2nd at a party at Brockey Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Finalists are listed here, and they include West Seattle restaurant Mashiko in the Business category as well as Plant for the Planet (which has a WS group) in the Resilience category. Tickets include a cocktail reception, dinner, and auction, and you can get yours here.
(WSB file photo)
It’s been a full month now since first word that the 5612 California SW site of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) had been put up for sale. Days later, proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores – who have been leasing the Craftsman house on the site for 15 years, not only selling beverages but also running it as what many consider a community center – launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise some of the money needed to buy it. And though their landlord tentatively accepted another offer, they said they had right of first refusal. At that time, a deadline was mentioned. We’ve been checking in with the Moores, including a conversation with Cameron today, and she says that deadline is no longer in play. Other than that, she says, there’s nothing to report – they’re still working toward a purchase, and there are “many moving pieces” in the situation. She stresses that they are endlessly thankful for all the community support. (That includes the upcoming “heartbombing” event organized by Historic Seattle next Tuesday.)
Water feature FTW @westseattleblog West Seattle Nursery best in show! #nwfgs2018 pic.twitter.com/woCxYcTkeK
— Pacific Horticulture (@PacHort) February 8, 2018
That video tweet is just one of the tips we got about this big news – congratulations to West Seattle Nursery for winning multiple awards at the biggest gardening event of the year. From Marie McKinsey:
The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is running now through Sunday at the Washington State Convention Center. We are happy to say that our display garden – Wabi Sabi: Embracing Flawed Beauty – was awarded the Founder’s Cup (best of show) award. We also won a Gold Medal, awards for Best Use of Horticulture, Best Use of Color and the Garden Design Magazine award. We are honored, happy and a bit overwhelmed!
You can read more about the display garden – including its plant list – on the WS Nursery website. For info about the Flower and Garden Festival downtown, go here.
A West Seattle Junction business is on the move … but not going far. Virago Gallery is moving from 4306 SW Alaska, the space just west of Easy Street Records, to 4537 California SW, where Merryweather (Leisure) Books recently closed.
But don’t look for Virago in its new space just yet – proprietor Tracy Cilona told us today that the remodeling work is just about to get under way and she’ll be moving in this April or May. Meantime, Virago’s current location remains open – and in fact you’re invited to stop in during West Seattle Art Walk tomorrow night, 6-9 pm, for a trunk show and pop-up by Kate S. Mensah.
(WSB photo)
Just one week until Valentine’s Day, and Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) just might be the Valentiney-est place in West Seattle. As briefly noted last week, this year, in honor of their 40th anniversary, Illusions has expanded its annual “Have a Heart” community-nonprofit fundraiser to last an entire month. Illusions’ proprietor Sue Lindblom (front and center in our photo) and the team will “sell” you a paper heart at the for a $1, $5, or $20 donation that goes to Southwest Youth and Family Services, while your paper heart goes up on the wall. And whatever you donate goes an extra distance because Illusions is matching donations, up to $1,000! Illusions (which opened in June 1978 and has been a WSB sponsor for 10 of those 40 years!) is at 5619 California SW.
(WSB photo – from left, Shelly, Virginia, Cheryl, Chris, Maria, Jule F., Julie J., Karie)
Tired of staring out the window at the rain? Go wish SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) a happy 20th anniversary! Until 4 pm, the celebration is on at SoundYoga’s 5639 California SW [map] studio. Long before yoga became trendy, Chris Dormaier founded SoundYoga; she is also a Certified Teacher Trainer in the tradition of Krishnamacharya – the tradition in which all SoundYoga teachers are certified. They’re celebrating this afternoon with demonstrations, raffles, and free SoundYoga license-plate holders. Chris tells us that SoundYoga was West Seattle’s first yoga studio and that when she was getting started, they ended up buying the property because no one would rent to her – they thought a yoga business wouldn’t last! Not only has it lasted … there are new features, like the “total relaxation” setup:
You can see the current SoundYoga class schedule here.
The members of the new city-convened Small Business Advisory Council have just been announced, and we recognize two West Seattle businesses on the list. As explained in the news release from Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s office, the SBAC is “a group tasked with ensuring small businesses have a role in informing policies and programs, and have the access to resources they need to thrive and be part of the solutions to the challenges of growth and Seattle’s affordability crisis” and “will provide input on the impact of City decisions, make policy recommendations, and help increase access to tools and resources available to small businesses including arts and culture organizations.” The announcement notes that small businesses “account for more than half of all jobs in Washington State and employ nearly 200,000 people in Seattle.”
Here are the members announced by the mayor – we’ve highlighted those we know have local ties (please let us know if we missed someone!):
Co-Chair Joe Fugere, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
Co-Chair Taylor Hoang, Cyclo Corp., Ethnic Business Coalition
Co-Chair Donna Moodie, Marjorie Restaurant, Mint Holding
Co-Chair Tracy Taylor, Elliott Bay Book Company
Maryan Abdulle, Nasib Family Child Care
Zewditu Aschenaki, Salon Adidez
Joey Burgess, Queer/Bar, Grim’s Provisions and Spirits
Shaiza Damji, Hotel Nexus
Solomon Dubie, Café Avole
Annette Heide-Jessen, Kaffeeklatsch
Edouardo Jordan, Salare Restaurant, JuneBaby
Lacey Leavitt, Electric Dream Factory
Elise Lindborg, ZippyDogs LLC
Rachel Marshall, Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Michael Megalli, indie.biz
Debbie Millard, Ballard Oil Company
Molly Moon, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Linda Morton, Terra Plata
Gayle Nowicki, Gargoyles Statuary
Kamala Saxton, Marination
Lei Ann Shiramizu, Momo
Leigh Stone, Crybaby Studios
Gail Stringer, Hawaii General Store
Chuck Wang, Stage
Edwin Wanji, Sphere Solar Energy
Beto Yarce, Ventures
Lara Zahaba, Stoup Brewing
The SBAC also will have two city councilmembers serving “ex officio”: West Seattle/South Park’s Lisa Herbold and, newly elected to citywide Position 8, Teresa Mosqueda. The group’s expected to meet quarterly, starting with its first meeting on February 21st.
It’s a popular question this week – how soon will Olympia Coffee open its new West Seattle location at 3840 California SW, first announced eight months ago? The paper’s down from the windows, and that’s what led to multiple inquiries in our inbox. After e-mail and repeated trips these past few days to see if we could find anyone there to ask, the latter tactic was finally successful this afternoon. We’re told they have one more inspection to go through, and could have an opening-date announcement as soon as tomorrow. As noted in our previous reports, though the company was founded in its namesake city, co-proprietor Sam Schroeder has deep West Seattle roots.
Alki Bike and Board is celebrating its 30th anniversary of family ownership, and has joined the WSB sponsor team for the occasion. Here’s what proprietor Stu Hennessey wants you to know about his Admiral District business:
It has been 30 years since the Hennessey family bought what was the Alki Bike Shop on Alki Beach. Since those days, much has changed, including the location. In 1991, the bike shop moved to the Admiral District for easier customer access and a bigger building. The name Alki stayed with the company as they settled into the current location at 2606 California Ave. SW.
In the meantime, much has changed about bicycle use, and the need for a simpler and healthier way to get in and out of West Seattle became the foundation of bicycling in West Seattle. The shop that once sponsored competitive athletes now serves the growing population of daily commuters, family riders, and baby boomers who have changed their riding style as they get older.
Being one of the first Electric Bike shops in a city that has a lot of hills, Alki Bike and Board has created what is now known as a Seattle Proof Electric Bike that will handle Seattle’s hilly terrain without wearing out in a short time.
Every January, the Alki Bike and Board repair shop offers half-price bike tuneups through March 1st. This is a good time to get ready for spring before the repair rush gets fully started.
The Hennessey family members that you will meet when you visit the shop include Julian Hennessey, his mom Gabi Hennessey, and dad Stu Hennessey. Another son, Patrick Hennessey, now lives in Leavenworth, Washington, where he has become a leader in promoting a variety of year- round outdoor sports that include downhill mountain biking and speed kite-flying.
The Hennesseys are the fourth owners of the Alki namesake bike shop since it was first opened by Rex Clark in 1936.
Alki Bike and Board is at 2606 California SW, online at alkibikeandboard.com.
We thank Alki Bike and Board for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has launched what its CEO Lynn Dennis called “a year of opportunities.”
At the Chamber’s annual meeting on Thursday, she issued a challenge to members: “When you see an opportunity for your business or other businesses, reach out to (me) or board members, and let’s work together. … Think how much we can get done.”
Members in turn presented challenges and requests, talking in table-based groups to help chart the organization’s course for 2018.
Given the meeting’s fresh-start theme, the location was auspicious – The Sanctuary at Admiral, the city-landmark event venue that had just the night before celebrated its relaunch under new management – the team from Duos, including Benjamin Jury:
The new look inside the old ex-church begins in its foyer:
Speaking of new, Dennis introduced Pete Spalding as the Chamber’s board chair for this year:
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