By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A few notes today, following up on our reports the past two days about the city Parks and Recreation Department changing concessionaires at Seacrest Boathouse – awarding the contract to Marination, whose proposal, the city says, outscored the one submitted by longtime operator Alki Crab and Fish.

First: Information we’d been pursuing since yesterday, when we asked Parks what happens next, and whether there’s any place for public comment in the official process. Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter sent the official policy – see it here – and adds:

Parks followed the steps in our policy and went beyond that by meeting with both of the top two proposers. These meetings did not change the scores or the outcome.

In response to the protest letter, which Parks received late yesterday, Parks will take these steps:

• Respond to the protest letter.
• Develop criteria, based on the business objectives outlined in the request for proposals, for evaluating the protest.
• Create a review panel of people (different from the original proposal reviewers), comprised of a representative of the Department of Neighborhoods, a representative of the Board of Park Commissioners, and the Acting Parks and Recreation Superintendent.
• Set up time for the review panel to evaluate the protest based on the established criteria.
• Set up a meeting with Alki Fish and Crab to go over their findings and decision.
• Ensure the review panel has all of the input received up to the date of their meeting.

It’s important to note that this is a business process for Parks and Recreation based on business objectives (included in the Request for Proposals) designed to meet Parks’ business needs and based on City law and policy.

So bottom line, no. The contract does require final approval by the City Council, though.

If you are just catching up, Alki Crab and Fish’s contract with the city expired last summer. The city put out a “request for proposals” (RFP), and the result was a decision to award the contract to Marination, which came to fame two and a half years ago with its food truck, and has since also opened a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Capitol Hill. We have numerous details in our report from yesterday, including links to both companies’ proposal documents. Supporters of both also have started online petitions – the one for Alki Crab and Fish fans is here, Marination fans here – and ACF supporters in the diving community, which uses Seacrest extensively, are planning a low-key rally this Saturday at noon between Seacrest and Salty’s, according to local diver Laura James, who says they are trying hard not to tie up traffic or cause trouble near the boathouse, so they are asking participants to park either south of Salty’s or up around Duwamish Head.

And a new development – just as we were finishing this story, we received e-mail from Marination, with whom we had exchanged notes previously for a short comment published in yesterday’s story. They sent a statement that follows, explaining their intent, and their surprise at how this has unfolded:Read More

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Rambo Total Pest Control, whose owner Luke Rambo is a fourth-generation West Seattleite and a 1999 graduate of West Seattle High. (While his business is based in Puyallup, they serve his hometown, and he spends so much time here that when he walks into Sub Shop #9 in Morgan Junction, they know his order on sight.) Here’s what he wants you to know about how Rambo does its job:

Rambo Total Pest Control knows the area, climate, styles of construction, conducive conditions and biological requirements of our local pest species. Rambo can offer you a secure and targeted approach toward living pest-free while protecting your family, pets, homes, and businesses.

Luke explains, “Our clients enjoy the personal commitment we display toward resolving their complicated pest-control problems. They want a problem fixed right the first time, not excuses. We promise to provide a customized ‘shelter’ from the unwanted, disease-carrying, wood-destroying pests that threaten our clients’ peace of mind. If our clients feel that control has not been achieved, we will return free of charge until the problem is resolved. Another compliment we hear frequently is that our communication is excellent. We do our best to educate our clients on what our strategy will be, when to expect initial control to be established, what things they can do to help, etc. It is also company policy to call a day or two before scheduling our preventive-maintenance services. This adds a considerable amount of time to our days, but it truly sets us apart from our competition.”

Rambo Total Pest Control has an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating on Yelp.com; we are members of the Washington State Pest Management Association and National Pest Management Association (Quality Pro-certified), as well as the Entomological Society of America, through which Luke Rambo earned the title “Associate Certified Entomologist.” Rambo Total Pest Control is online at rambopest.com, or call 253-848-6000; get a deal on your first service by using the coupon on the WSB Coupons page.

We thank Rambo Total Pest Control for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle’s first major holiday party of the month rocked the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction on Thursday night: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce gathered not only to celebrate the year’s achievements – and to vie for raffle prizes while enjoying music by Matt the Hoopla – but also to celebrate the woman who’s been at the helm for eight years:

President/CEO Patti Mullen, photographed with Chamber board chair Dave Montoure, is leaving to become President/CEO of the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, as announced last month. Montoure says he plans to stay on as chair, so the West Seattle Chamber will have some leadership continuity in the new year; he and the transition team have several meetings ahead for the process of finding a new CEO. Also ahead for the Chamber in 2012: The Westside Awards breakfast is set for April 18th, and nominations already are being accepted (deadline: January 31st). P.S. Businesses/entrepreneurs interested in joining the Chamber can find membership info here.

(From left, Tracy Martinez and Carol George)
Story and photos by Jen Boyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

While walking around Green Lake last April, two stay-at-home moms had an idea that would send their lives in a new direction. What if they took those adorable hand-sewn felt hair clips one of the moms makes for her daughter and marketed them to the world?

What started as a “what if” turned into a whole new brand of fun, functional and eco-friendly kids accessories in just six months – Little Doodahs.

West Seattle resident Tracy Martinez and Queen Anne resident Carol George met years ago through their husbands, who were college buddies. When they had their children, they each decided to leave their 9 to 5 jobs and stay home full time.

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The new Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt opening tomorrow in Admiral (as first reported here Wednesday) aspires to be the place for tasty family fun. Owner Leslie Castanha (above center, below 2nd from right) and operations manager Guy Castanha (above, 3rd from right) had their own family on hand tonight to help celebrate the new business, during a special “friends and family” preview.

(This photo courtesy Holly Brown; other 2 are by Patrick Sand for WSB)
The premise behind Menchie’s is that – as you can see on the overhead signs – it’s a self-serve place where you choose your yogurt and toppings, and pay by the ounce. They’ll rotate 14 flavors (here’s the full list of potential flavors, including nonfat, vegan, lactose-free options) with more than 50 toppings. And if you have a special occasion – they have a party room (also available for overflow if the rest of the shop is crowded and no one’s having a gathering):

Color-it-yourself T-shirts were on display on the table when we peeked in. Another community component: Menchie’s can partner with local organizations for fundraising. Menchie’s will open at 11 every day, closing at 10 pm nightly except Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm). You can follow the news from Menchie’s (2620 California SW) via the Admiral shop’s Facebook page.

A few more follow-ups today, three days after the Drug Enforcement Administration searched more than a dozen medical-marijuana operations around Puget Sound, including GAME Collective, owned by a West Seattle man, with a location in West Seattle and a “lounge” in White Center. Last night, Thomas Bates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office was at the South Delridge-White Center Community Safety Coalition meeting. He said the regional operation mostly targeted medical-marijuana businesses “with multiple locations” that were suspected of “large-volume drug sales, money-laundering, and other operations.” While he did not address GAME Collective directly, he did mention that the “returns” from the search warrants had started to come in – those are the official documents showing what, if anything, law-enforcement officers found when they conducted the searches for which they had warrants We obtained the first two returns this afternoon. They are for two vehicles – one belonging to the GAME Collective’s owner, and one belonging to another West Seattle man listed in the original search-warrant documents as being associated with GAME. Though the search warrant empowers agents to seize anything found in a broad range of items listed, from drugs to money to recordkeeping books, the search warrant return for the 2007 Mercedes belonging to GAME Collctive’s owner says “no items seized.” For the other man’s 2010 Subaru Outback, the return document lists items seized as:Read More

We’ve obtained a 37-page federal court document related to Tuesday’s DEA search at GAME Collective in White Center (one of a dozen-plus medical-marijuana establishments searched around Puget Sound) – and they reveal that federal authorities obtained search warrants for GAME Collective locations in West Seattle and North Seattle as well, along with the West Seattle home and car of its owner, and vehicles belonging to others associated with GAME.

The documents reiterate what statements from federal authorities said last night (as included in our Tuesday story), saying that they are not targeting “medical marijuana providers that comply with the letter and the spirit of existing state law,” though marijuana of any type is illegal under federal law. But they allege that five people associated with GAME Collective are suspected of federal crimes including conspiracy to distribute marijuana, distribution of marijuana , and unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The documents allege that constitutes a “drug-trafficking organization.”

The court documents also show a tie-in between the GAME investigation and the recent “Operation Center of Attention” raids, as well as detailing a series of undercover buys, and even mentioning a mysterious anonymous letter. The investigation of GAME Collective began in late July, at which time, an investigator writes:Read More

They’re new to the WSB sponsor team but a longtime fixture in West Seattle: Menashe & Sons Jewelers.

Just as the holiday season gets under way, Menashe & Sons invites you to a special evening sale event at the store this Friday, 5-9 pm, with refreshments. More on that later. Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

Menashe & Sons is the premier fine jeweler in West Seattle, specializing in custom creations and unique jewelry pieces. Since opening our doors in 1973, we have served our Seattle community with an enthusiastic commitment to selling beautiful and quality jewelry pieces. Our full-service store strives to provide all your appraisal and repair needs for jewelry, watches, and clocks. Our dedicated staff will take the time to work with you to ensure you are satisfied in every possible way. (Meet them here.) Menashe & Sons also is proud to offer you the opportunity to create your own unique custom masterpiece. We will work with you to turn your dream jewelry into reality. (Read about the custom-jewelry process, and see photos, here.) Menashe & Sons also is proud to have one of the largest estate jewelry inventories in the state of Washington (as detailed here).

You can follow Menashe & Sons Jewelers on Facebook (here) and Twitter (here). Please also feel free to browse our website and see what we can offer you.

Now, more about the Friday 5-9 pm: Along with “a little bubbly and good cheer,” they’ll be serving hors d’oeuvres and Bakery Nouveau carrot cake. You’ll find Menashe & Sons Jewelers at 4532 California SW; by phone, 206-932-4272.

We thank Menashe & Sons Jewelers for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Just announced by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board chair Dave Montoure – the Chamber’s president/CEO Patti Mullen is leaving. From his e-mail announcement:

Over the last eight years, our Chamber has grown in membership, quality of programming, community partnership and advocacy, networking and learning opportunities. In addition, the Chamber has gained recognition throughout the Greater Seattle area as a strong leader for business on the Westside. So it is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Patti Mullen has accepted the position of President/CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. She will begin her new post in January, 2012.

The Chamber’s December 1st holiday party at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) will now also become a farewell party for Mullen. Some of the most recent initiatives she’s been working on have included promoting West Seattle as a destination for “sustainable tourism.” (WSB photo from June 2011)

As reported here two months ago, Spokane-based AmericanWest Bank is seeking to buy Viking Bank (WSB sponsor), which has a West Seattle branch in The Junction – and the deal’s just cleared a hurdle. Viking announced today that its shareholders have “approved the plan of merger and acquisition,” with “yes” votes representing more than 88 percent of Viking’s shares. The bank’s announcement says, “The transaction is expected to close before year end and is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of Viking Bank’s regulatory agencies.” Once everything’s finalized, Viking is expected to become part of AmericanWest, including a name change, according to this FAQ.

(Photo added 2:39 pm; looking from the NW corner of WSP’s current lot, across to where it’s moving)
Just shared by Christa Anderson – an announcement from West Seattle Produce:

West Seattle Produce Moving to New Location… Across the Street

Earlier this fall, we contradicted rumors that West Seattle Produce was moving because, at that point, it wasn’t. However, plans evolve and West Seattle Produce is now moving to a beautiful new home at 4722 Fauntleroy, directly across the street from the current location. The new location will be open for business on December 1, but we will be open for business at the original location until that date.

(And yes, the Beloved Mexico food truck will be coming too.)

This is exciting: we’ve got more room for current and new projects, lots of great parking, and we’re protected from the weather. We can’t wait to show off the new space!

Many people ask where they can get “I Heart West Seattle” items. Here’s a new answer: The first West Seattle branch of Portland-based Umpqua Bank (WSB sponsor), opening its doors north of Admiral Safeway at 9 am today. It’s also where you’ll find this tale out of early West Seattle history:

And though it’s a brand-new bank branch, it has a veteran manager who’s worked in West Seattle banking for seven years:

Kirk Mead is also a board member with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Of course, not everything about the new Umpqua Bank branch is West Seattle-specific, but it certainly has features you don’t find in every bank branch – read on:Read More

They literally wrote the book on finding a way to keep the tradition of family mealtimes even in this busy day and age. Stephanie Allen and Tina Kuna, co-founders of Dream Dinners and co-authors of “The Hour That Matters Most,” will be at the West Seattle Dream Dinners store (WSB sponsor) 5:30-7:30 pm tonight. The event is not only their book signing but also the store’s November tasting and open house. Prizes too! According to media material, their book “aims at helping American families reconnect over the dinner table, a lost art that has been found to be an important ritual in child development and family bonding.” If you RSVP before attending the event, you get a free copy of the book, but e-mail alaskajunctionWA@dreamdinners.com ASAP. West Seattle Dream Dinners is at 4701 41st SW, Suite 110, on the eastern ground-level side of Jefferson Square, entry from 41st. (P.S. Though Dream Dinners now has stores across the country, it was founded right here in Western Washington; Stephanie and Tina are from Snohomish, where their company is headquartered.)

12:13 PM UPDATE: WS DD proprietor Leslie says EVERYONE who comes will get a book – they just got some extras – don’t worry about RSVP’ing, just drop by.

FINAL WEEK FOR STOCKBOX GROCERS’ WEST SEATTLE PROTOTYPE: It’s the 8th week of Stockbox Grocers‘ “prototype” store at 24th/Holden – and the final week, since, as they’d warned all along, this was just a test. Stockbox founder Jacqueline Gjurgevich (at right, photographed as they prepared to open) says they’re having a sale: “The last day the store will be open is Sunday, November 6th although it may close earlier depending on when we sell out of inventory. We have 300 items in the store ranging from cleaning supplies to baking products to condiments to pasta and other staples. Dairy products and produce are also on sale. Most items in the store have been priced 20-75% off and people are flocking in to stock up on great deals. As a thank you to the Westhaven apartments and immediate vicinity we had a preview sale that started over the weekend and would now like to open up the sale to the greater West Seattle community.” They haven’t announced future, permanent locations but promise they’ll be back.

GUIDE TO SOUTH DELRIDGE/WHITE CENTER MARKETS: If you haven’t shopped some of the small-ish food stores in South Delridge/White Center, you might be missing a world of delights. If you’ve ever wanted to know more before venturing into one of the markets, the White Center Community Development Association has just granted your wish – creating a guide to nine of the markets. (See it as a PDF, here.)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

From “street disorder” to outdated laws, more than a dozen West Seattle businesspeople shared concerns with Mayor Mike McGinn during the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s most recent “Lunch With LEO” (local elected officials) brown-bag-lunch conversations.

The businesses/organizations represented at the event earlier this month at the Senior Center of West Seattle spanned the peninsula, from Alki Kayak Tours in the north to Reflections Dental Centre (Westwood Village) in the south, from West 5 in The Junction to Huling Brothers Properties in The Triangle to South Seattle Community College on Puget Ridge – and more.

While generally listening sympathetically, at one point, the mayor did challenge an assertion about local police presence.

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