Two days after Mayor Murray signed the City Council-passed minimum-wage increase into law, a business group is trying to get an alternative onto the ballot via city charter amendment. The group calling itself Forward Seattle says it’s a coalition of independent businesses, with a counterproposal laying out 40-cent incremental increases resulting in a $12.50 minimum wage by 2020. It briefed citywide media this morning but hasn’t yet released the text of its proposal, nor does it have a public list of members/supporters. In addition to that, Publicola reports that Tim Eyman is now pursuing an initiative that would make it illegal for any entity but the state to mandate wage levels.

Efficient, agile, smart, Seattle’s steel mill keeps the fires burning. (@MikeSiegel7) Pics: http://t.co/6L93UK4MfG pic.twitter.com/gCV7b1zNVC

— Seattle Times Photo (@SeaTimesPhoto) May 27, 2014

Thanks to Amy for the tip about a rare photographic look inside West Seattle’s Nucor Steel plant – we say “rare” because they’ve had a “no photo” policy in the past, but either they’ve made an exception or it’s changed, because the photo gallery published on SeattleTimes.com this week is definitely a closeup look inside. The photo in the tweet above is just one of the images; go here to see the others. They were published with a feature story about the steel mill that appeared in the Times’ Sunday magazine Pacific Northwest (here’s the online version).

Summertime is ice-cream-truck time. West Seattle residents Chelsea and Chris are hoping to hit the road this summer with what they say will be Seattle’s first 100 percent vegan ice-cream truck, specializing in vegan ice-cream sandwiches – if their crowdfunding campaign works out.

They’re calling their mobile enterprise the Cookie Counter, and it’s actually not a truck – it’s this blue 1974 VW Van:

The Sunrise Heights-area residents have taken to Kickstarter to look for funding, where they explain: “All of our ice creams are coconut based and we offer a variety of gluten-free options, meaning we automatically cater to dairy & egg allergies, along with wheat & gluten.” Flavor combinations in the works include Earl Grey with Lemon Zest, Orange Cardamom with Coconut Chocolate Chunk, Gluten Free White Chocolate with Mint, Green Tea with Raspberry, Gluten Free Coconut Lime with Mango. “Unlike other trucks offering vegan ice cream, we will have more than one or two options,” says Chelsea, adding that her background includes work as a personal vegan chef and as a waitperson/barista at Easy Street Café – plus volunteer work with kids: “I am passionate about kids and hope to get the truck involved in community events once we’re up and running!” Chris is a UW student, veteran (Marines), and dad (his 12-year-old son Mally is in the Kickstarter video). Their campaign has two and a half weeks to go.

There’s a lot more to the free-parking lots in The Junction than just striped asphalt without pay stations – Junction businesses pay special assessments to maintain them. This Friday, some proposed changes in the rules for those assessments, four years in the making, have the West Seattle Junction Association going before a City Council committee. After spotting the item on the agenda for the Finance amd Culture Committee, with WSJA director Susan Melrose listed as scheduled to speak to councilmembers, we talked to her Wednesday to find out more:

Read More

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor: HomeStreet Bank, now open in The Junction. New sponsors get the chance to tell you about themselves, so here’s what HomeStreet would like you to know:

HomeStreet Bank is local! We are based in downtown Seattle and are one of the largest community banks headquartered in Washington. HomeStreet began in the University District in 1921 as Continental Mortgage and Loan Company, later becoming Continental Savings Bank in 1986 when we became a full-service bank. We changed our name to HomeStreet Bank in 2000. (However, many people will still recall getting their mortgage at Continental Savings Bank!) We have expanded our services further over the years, adding business banking and lending, investment services, and more. HomeStreet offers a wide variety of financial products and services, including:

• Personal Banking
• Business Banking
• Mortgage Lending (including renovation loans and reverse mortgages)
• Commercial Lending (including a new small business loan program as well as SBA financing)
• Investment and Insurance Services for consumers and businesses
• Cash Management Services for businesses of all sizes
• Private Banking
• Residential Construction Financing
• Commercial Real Estate financing (apartments, retail space, office & industrial)

HomeStreet Bank has 82 deposit branches and lending centers in the Pacific Northwest, California, and Hawaii.

Community involvement has always been a high priority for HomeStreet. Many of our employees support the needs of local community organizations by creating active partnerships, hands-on service and providing leadership. As a relationship-focused bank, we always try to go the extra mile for our customers while providing personal service that is oftentimes not expected. We pride ourselves in our employees’ ability to make decisions on their own.

HomeStreet Bank is proud to be a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. We are also proud supporters of the West Seattle Helpline, West Seattle Food Bank, WestSide Baby, and Nature Consortium. Being new to the West Seattle community, we are very excited at the opportunity to get involved in the neighborhood. This year we sponsored the Taste of West Seattle and will be sponsoring Summer Fest and West Seattle Outdoor Movies. We are also thrilled to be hosting this year’s Stuff the Bus Diaper Drive for WestSide Baby!

HomeStreet Bank’s West Seattle branch is located at 4022 SW Alaska Street and we would love for you to stop in! Check us out online at: www.homestreet.com or “like” our Facebook page.

We thank HomeStreet Bank for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Making it to 10 years in business is SO worth a party. So (from left) Drew Foster and Stefan Hansmire of NCompass Construction/NCompass Cottage Company (WSB sponsor) had a big one at Dakota Place on Friday night. So big, even West Seattle favorites Not Dead Yet performed:

The party also featured a food truck and a “construction and building trivia game” with multiple choice questions (we’re pretty sure the answer to “Section 505.1 of the 2009 Residential Washington State Energy code states …” was NOT #D, “Turn off the lights when you leave the room!”). Their business has evolved to address community needs, including, a year ago, certification as “aging in place” specialists.

(Photo courtesy Laura Schneider)
Three months after we brought you first word of Meeples Games, a gaming café/store opening upstairs at Charlestown Center (3727 California SW), proprietor Laura Schneider is just a week and a half away from officially opening its doors. Here’s the official announcement with details, received tonight:

Meeples Games, a new tabletop game store and cafe, is hosting a family-friendly Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Newly released board games and family favorites will be demonstrated by Meeples Games staff. Visitors can play or watch a Magic: the Gathering tournament which will be going throughout the day.

Meeples Games employees are all game players and enjoy sharing their favorites with customers. Special selections marked with “A Meeples’ People Favorite” showcase staff and customer selected games. “Game tables and a lending library are permanent features of Meeples Games,” says owner Laura Schneider. “We want to be a community store where people feel comfortable to come in, play games and hang out.”

Meeples Games stocks a variety of game types; tile-laying, role-playing, board games, card games, dice games, and miniatures. Space is available for drop-in, meet-up, and tournament play. The café offers espresso, sandwiches, pretzels, healthy snacks, and beer on tap.

The Grand Opening schedule runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 17th with raffles, game demonstrations, and tournament play throughout the day. The detailed event schedule is available on the Meeples Games’ website.

With grand opening just a week and a half away, Schneider has big milestones ahead, including sign installation tomorrow and continued stocking of the café and menu planning; their espresso will be from True North Coffee Roasters.

Looks like West Seattle’s most-likely place for a recreational-marijuana store will be North Delridge – the 3800 block, to be specific. Here’s why:

The state has just gone public with its list of positions drawn in its lottery among prospective marijuana retailers – necessary because far more applications were received than licenses will be allotted. The entire city of Seattle will have 21 licensed stores, for example. At the top of the Seattle lottery list, #1 was drawn by a West Seattle applicant, Trichome & Calyx Corp., with the address 3809 Delridge Way SW, Suite B (map; currently the site of a medical-marijuana dispensary); the corporation’s owner is listed in state records as Magnolia entrepreneur Mehran Rafizadeh. The next-highest West Seattle location drawn, #37, was for the same applicant, same street address, Suite A. Next, #40, went to The Edge, applying for 3805 Delridge Way SW. Another 3809 Delridge Way applicant, Paradigm, drew #42. Following that, at #52, is an existing medical-marijuana provider, the Northwest Patient Resource Center on the east side of 35th/Roxbury. Seven of the other West Seattle locations with higher numbers in the lottery also applied using the 3809 Delridge Way SW address; there were also applicants from Harbor Avenue, West Marginal Way, and the west side of 35th/Roxbury.

You can download the full statewide list, which has a tab for each city including Seattle, from this page on the state Liquor Control Board website. Licenses are expected to be issued by early July, according to this state FAQ.

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Speedpro Imaging. New local sponsors are invited to share information about their businesses, and here’s what Speedpro would like you to know:

Speedpro Imaging is a superior-quality large-format imaging studio that produces trade-show displays, vehicle wraps, retail branding, and promotional graphics. We collaborate with businesses, organizations, and events to create eye-catching, larger-than-life graphics that grab the attention of their customers.

Our capabilities include:
• Banners
• Wall murals
• A-frames
• Vehicle wraps
• Trade show displays
• Window graphics
• Retractable banner stands
• Posters
• Stickers
• Custom Signs

One of the things our clients tell us they love about working with us is how quickly we respond to their needs and get jobs completed. We do everything we can to make sure our clients are completely satisfied- due dates, budget, and project needs are all met. We give Speedpro Imaging clients the special attention they deserve and treat everyone like a long-term business partner.

Clients say they trust us and have confidence in our signs and displays because of our extensive knowledge and high-quality materials. We are locally owned, but we are also a part of a nationwide network of Speedpro studios. For example, if you have a trade show in Chicago, we can plan for the Chicago Speedpro to print, install, and deliver your display right to your event – saving you shipping costs and the stress of carrying your display on the plane! They say this makes us different from other printers in the area and gives them assurance they are receiving the highest-quality service and signage.

To receive exclusive content, special offers, and sign news, click here – The Color Hue: Sign Tips & Advice from Speedpro.

We are excited to be a part of the West Seattle Blog and the awesome West Seattle community. If you have any questions about signage or need a quote for an upcoming project, call or email us anytime! 206.257.4717 **** infoseattle@speedpro.com

We thank Speedpro Imaging for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

P.S. Get Speedpro’s coupon on the WSB West Seattle Coupons page!

Thanks to Patricia for the tip (she saw the sign going up Monday): More than two years after its completion, the retail building on California SW built north of, and along with, Admiral Safeway is finally on the brink of being fully occupied. The final of its five spaces is going to the Las Vegas-headquartered chain GoWireless, which has more than 300 stores. It appears from GoWireless’s website that this is its first venture into Seattle city limits, though it has outlets elsewhere around the King/Snohomish/Pierce/Kitsap Counties metro area; as you can probably tell from the signage, its business is focused on Verizon, though it’s a separate company, we learned while researching. We’re still waiting to hear back from GW corporate HQ on when they plan to open.

Big smile from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsors) co-proprietor Kirk Keppler – the shop is celebrating its anniversary today, and you get the gift – an open house with the only storewide sale of the year at Wyatt’s (up to 60 percent off). Stop by any time before 6 pm, in the heart of Westwood Village.

The rain stopped! (For now.) So if it kept you home – get out and go shop The Junction in the final hours of “Tax-Free” Sale Day ’14. Above, that’s Courtney Sievertsen of Wallflower Custom Framing (WSB sponsor) on 42nd SW north of SW Edmunds – a reminder that Junction shopping stretches beyond California SW. Red balloons mark the participating stores/restaurants; today’s participant list is here. Another reason to visit The Junction, the Record Store Day celebration/sale (lineup here) that’s continuing into the evening at Easy Street Records, with special guests:

West Seattle’s own Caspar Babypants isn’t performing but he’s been deejaying and signing. And the grand finale at ESR is still a few hours away – Rose Windows, live in-store at 7 pm.

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Morgan Junction’s business district continues its mini-boom.

In a little brick commercial building in south Morgan, at 6959 California SW, Monday is opening day for My Three Little Birds, offering new and “upscale used” clothing, toys, and accessories for children.

We talked this morning with proprietor Jennifer Young (above), who lives in nearby Gatewood.

This is her first venture into retail, though she has worked in business management for years, and cites “great support and mentors” helping get My Three Little Birds launched.

“I have three kids, I really love the community, and wanted to do something to get more involved in the community. (This business) is a great fit for me as a mom.”

The merchandise will target kids from newborn through 12 years old.

Young is clearly excited: “It’s going to be awesome!”

Work on the store is almost done; signage went up earlier this week, and more exterior work is under way today. Monday is mostly intended as the start of a “soft open” week, and then a “grand opening” is planned the following Saturday. Hours will be 10 am-6 pm Mondays-Fridays, 11 am-5 pm Saturdays, 11 am-4 pm Sundays.

SIDE NOTES: Avalon Center, which used to be in the street-front space, hasn’t closed, nor has it really moved – it’s now in the back of the building. And thanks to the eagle-eyed WSB readers who noticed the shop taking shape even before the signage went up and tipped us!

1:47 PM: Two weeks ago, the Mexican-food truck that had been headquartered north of Morgan Junction Park for about six months, Taqueria El Antojo, abruptly was told to move. The owners told us that they would share the news when they found a new location, and that information has just come in. Their truck is now at the 76 station north of Lincoln Park, 7427 Fauntleroy Way SW.

ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: Thanks to Jeff for tweeting a photo:

@westseattleblog FYI The Short Stop taco truck moved to the 76 station on Fauntleroy pic.twitter.com/zNU0eWVjNc

— Jeff Neufeld (@jeffneufeld) April 12, 2014

The Paris-based parent company of the Lafarge facility along the West Seattle shore of the Duwamish River is merging with another global cement giant, Holcim. The “merger of equals” was announced in Europe early today, three days after the companies disclosed they were talking about joining forces. No Washington state holdings for Holcim, according to its website. Too soon to say what it might mean for local facilities like this one, aside from the company changing its name to LafargeHolcim. Given the size of the merger, regulatory approvals aren’t expected until next year at the earliest.

Two weeks until the tax deadline .. but there’s something to look forward to once it’s past: The West Seattle Junction Association is presenting a “Tax-Free Day” of shopping and dining for the sixth year in a row. On Saturday, April 19th, watch for the red balloons marking participating retailers and restaurants in The Junction – they’ve got your back by paying your (sales) tax! See the in-progress list of participants and more details on The Junction’s website. (Balloon courtesy DesignerClipart.com)

A new store opens tomorrow at Westwood Village: Carter’s, a national chain of stores selling clothing for babies and children. (We first reported back in November that Carter’s was on the way.) A store manager tells us they’re having a “soft-open” event 4-9 pm tomorrow, and then Thursday is the official grand opening. Their hours will be 10 am-9 pm Mondays-Saturdays, 10 am-7 pm Sundays. (If you haven’t been to Westwood lately, it’s on the west-facing side of the mid-section, in the row of businesses that stretches from Eats Market Café to Pier 1 Imports.)

Just in via text (206-293-6302), that photo of a sign mentioned today by several readers, who said the operators of the Taqueria El Antojo food truck posted it, telling customers they have to leave the Morgan Junction spot where they’ve been parked for the past six months, by the Short Stop market and adjacent cleaners north of Morgan Junction Park. The property is expected to become an expansion site for the park – the city’s been working for about two years to buy it – but county records do not show a finalized sale. If we hear about a new location for the truck, we’ll mention it – please let us know if you see it first.