West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
(WSB photo, ballot box at South Seattle College)
With 15 more days to vote – until Tuesday night, November 5 – the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce held its first “Chamber Chat,” with the organization’s Government Affairs Committee focusing on candidates and issues on the ballot. They first heard from both candidates for the final unexpired year of the City Council citywide Position 8 term:
CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8: Alexis Mercedes Rinck said she’s “fighting for a city that works for all of us.” She says that she’s worked “across 39 cities” and various organizations on housing policy, as well as restructuring UW’s budget. She said her roots go back to a troubled childhood but people who fought for her saved her. She wants to work for a “fairer tax system” and to move from “budgets with band-aids” to budgets that “set up” the city to thrive. In Q&A, she was asked how she’d work with colleagues with different goals/philosophies. She said that she felt she’d bring balance to the council. She said she could work with folks “from MAGA to Marxist” and currently works with reps for different cities that are all over the political spectrum. She said she helped work on homelessness-fighting plans, too. She stressed a collaborative nature to “get folks around the table … to problem-solve” and says that’s what she wants to bring to citywide office. Answering another question, about public safety, she said “Seattle kids deserve to go to school without fear” among other things and that action is needed now – building staffing “across the board,” including law enforcement and other responders, is her priority. “It’s not enough to just respond” – work on prevention is vital too, especially gun-violence prevention. She supports “permit to purchase.” She added, “We know what we need to do” – reports have made numerous suggestions – we just need to implement them. Housing would improve safety, too, she believes.
Regarding transportation, she said she lives car-free and relies on public transit daily. Safety on transit is a priority too. “On the whole, I’m really committed to creating a safe multi-modal transit system,’ prioritizing all ways of getting around, plus electrification, adding sidewalks, and finding “progressive (revenue) options” to fund all that. How would she support small business? “They’re the cornerstone of our community,” Mercedes Rinck declares, saying she worked at one as a restaurant, but knows owning one is a whole different thing. She also mentioned the end of the tip credit and said she’s committed to help figure out how to ensure affected small businesses can keep their doors open. She thinks the Office of Economic Development can do a lot of work for entrepreneurs and wants to hear more about what they have or haven’t been doing.
She was also asked about the Department of Neighborhoods, with a suggestion that the city doesn’t really reach out to neighborhood groups any more. “How do you get people in the neighborhoods involved again, get the department involved again in bringing those voices to the table?” Mercedes Rinck agreed she wasn’t seeing much DoN involvement so the department needed to be empowered to do more outreach; she said she needs to find out more about their staffing level and look for opportunities to invest – “we know that community engagement is a lot of time, time that people don’t have sometimes.” Next: Why is she seeking office? She thinks the city has a lot of urgent needs, like what she saw in her area, the Central District, which recently had two shooting incidents, Also – dealing with the high housing prices and cost of rents going up; she says we need more housing supply, She feels she’s “somebody to act, move with urgency,” and says, “Let’s get stuff done!”
Next was appointed incumbent councilmember Tanya Woo. In opening remarks, she said her parents had the first Chinese bakery in Seattle; she comes from a long list of business owners – her parents currently own a restaurant in Chinatown/ID. She has experience building “workforce housing” and has formed a public-safety group that started walking nightly in a time of anti-Asian hate and now walks weekly. The group, she said, segued into homeless outreach and assisted seniors as well. She said more incentives are needed for building affordable housing and believes that density and “more trees” can both happen. She is in favor of reducing permit wait times, which she says she’s experienced as a small business owner. “There isn’t going to be one thing that changes overnight – it’s all part of a puzzle.” Building back SPD staffing and having alternative responders are both important, she says, as well as figuring out how to connect people with services. “I imagine a city like where I grew up – where kids can go to school without worrying about getting shot,” like her worry-free days at Schmitz Park Elementary in West Seattle. Her priorities: Public safety, homelessness, housing affordability.
How would she work on council to fully and fairly represent constituents? She says the current councilmembers are “all friends, a civil group, all in person” so she doesn’t do anything without collaborating with other councilmembers (she mentioned collaboration with CM Rob Saka for one). She is all for “finding the common ground. … That’s where I reside, how do we work together to reach the greatest good?” She added, “We just have to try things” and make changes if it’s not working. “It’s all about listening and making sure people are heard … and being out in the community” She said she’s out at meetings and events at least once a day.
How does she approach public safety and transportation? “Balanced approach,” she says. Regarding police, “while we did not defund police, we demoralized police … since most are on patrol work, we are not able to investigate” as many crimes as before. “I also believe in a balanced approach” and supports expansion of CARE Team, LEAD, REACH, and seeing how other groups are working to increase safety. Regarding transportation, she says ST3 and ensuring community measures are being heard is a priority. “I know we’re not even there yet” regarding station siting. She was involved in assembling the Transportation Levy, while noting she isn’t allowed to advocate for it.
How will she advocate for small businesses? She thinks the impending compensation change is going to force a lot of small businesses to close. She wants to find ways to be proactive and help businesses pay for things like shatter-resistant glass treatment and anti-graffiti coating. Other issues plague businesses – trespassers, drug use right outside, employees not feeling safe coming to or being at work. She said she wants to hear what businesses like those in the Chamber need. “I feel the desperation of many businesses, the weight of” how policies are affecting them.
Other questions: A local bank manager asked about graffiti vandalism, calling “demoralizing” despite not being on the scale of drug addiction or homelessness. It’s “demoralizing” to see buildings defaced, and it seems to add “a temperature of chaos … it’s like a war on our city.” Woo agreed, “I abhor graffiti.” She said her group has chased vandals down to let them know how much their deeds hurt small businesses, especially in “historic districts” that might have rules making it even harder. She feels graffiti comes down to “consent” – yes, there’s some consensual art out there, but much graffiti is vandalism detracting from the “beauty of our buildings.” Other factors delay cleanup like weather and waiting for the availability of cleanup crews. Invited to say a few closing words, she made allegations against her opponent’s stands on various issues, including saying Mercedes Rinck’s interest in “more progressive revenue” is not realistic because most of a long list of recommendations are for taxes that “are illegal.” (Mercedes Rinck wasn’t there to rebut because of the event’s format – each candidate appeared individually.)
TRANSPORTATION LEVY: The group was also scheduled to hear from guests for and against the Seattle Transportation Levy; no pro-levy guest was available, so committee chair Jordan Crawley offered some basic information about the $1.55 billion levy. Former Seattle City Councilmember Alex Pedersen – former chair of the council’s Transportation Committee – spoke against it. He was asked about his biggest concerns regarding the levy, which he said would be “Seattle’s biggest tax ever.” He feels it’s “unaffordable, inequitable, and would be ineffective.” Rents would go up, he says, as property owners pass the cost through. One point on equity – he says it could have at least partly gone through a less regressive funding source. He also says it’s not doing enough for pedestrian safety and bridges, among other things; he’d also like to see its projects “broken into smaller pieces” – the repaving funding all goes into 15 big projects, he says, but could go into more smaller projects that repave more streets. In all, he would just like to see it redone and sent back to voters in the first half of next year. Some supplementary funding is necessary, he says, so that’s why he favors rejecting this one and calling for something new to be drafted quickly.
The Chamber also was scheduled to talk about the statewide initiatives on the ballot, but also did not have a “pro” guest, and we couldn’t stay for that part of the program. Your ballot should have arrived by now – if not, here’s what to do!
On Sunday, we published an invitation to a “community paint party” all afternoon at the new “welcoming mural” under the overpass just north of the Luna Park mini-business district. This afternoon, we went by for a look at how it’s coming along.
We didn’t have time to stop and talk with the mural crew but last we heard they were planning to wrap up by tomorrow (Tuesday, October 22).
2:57 PM: Police and fire are responding to a reported pickup spinout/crash near the Admiral exit on the westbound West Seattle Bridge. No details yet on injuries or traffic effects.
4:32 PM: SFD tells us, “Crews evaluated a 22-year-old man who reported no injuries.”
(Reader photo from April, the formerly planned Molly Moon’s space)
Half a year after Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream uncloaked plans to expand to West Seattle by hanging a banner at 4540 California SW, we have updates.
For one, Molly Moon herself tells WSB today that “We hope to open in West Seattle in the spring. It’s been a wild ride with this location and real estate in the Junction. we hope the community believes we’re worth the wait. We’ll try hard to get open around the time the sun stays up until 7 pm again!”
(WSB photo)
Here’s a big part of that “wild ride” – Instead of opening in the ex-Seattle E-Bike space, they’ll be opening in the space that Cupcake Royale just vacated a few doors down, as rumored. When we asked about it previously, they weren’t ready to comment, but they’re confirming the plan now: “It was touch and go and I wasn’t sure it would happen, but we closed on the purchase of the West Seattle Cupcake Royale on Friday. We will file for building permits there and open our shop on the corner of California and Alaska. … Our plans for the corner space are the same — we’ll be making all the ice cream on site, like we do in all of our locations, and creating about 15 – 20 living-wage jobs with upward mobility opportunities when we open. We’re really looking forward to joining the WS community!”
Meantime, they’re looking for a “great tenant” for their originally planned space at 4540 California, for which they have a 10-year lease. If interested, email (updated) hello@mollymoon.com.
The update and photo are from Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio:
The Chief Sealth Slowpitch Softball team, after losing a tough first-round matchup vs Holy Names 15-5 on Thursday, won 4 straight this weekend to clinch a state trip to Yakima this weekend. Bracket (here).
The team, which won the Metro League championship a week earlier, went to the state tournament five years ago.
(Sunday sunset from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, photo by Eugene Lee)
Here’s our highlight list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Multiple artists’ cup creations are on display all month at Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th SW), open until 2 pm.
ARBOR HEIGHTS FOOD TRUCK: Rotating semiweekly food truck visits, 40th/107th, 4-7 pm.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm evening group with Listening to Grief, preregistration required. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Four places to play tonight – Every-other-week music quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 and 7:30 pm … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – tonight, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:02 AM: Just got a text from Kersti Muul reporting that Southern Resident Killer Whales from J-Pod are in the area – southbound in north Elliott Bay, last seen off West Point. Let us know if you see them!
9:42 AM: Kersti reports they’ve now been seen toward the west side of the Sound, off Bainbridge near Winslow.
6:07 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, October 21st.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Showery, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:38 am, while sunset will be at 6:09 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The low bridge will be closed Friday through Sunday for cylinder re-installation.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides, likely next week. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*SDOT says the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is complete – no more lane closures.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, no “unscheduled third boat” this week and likely next. Also, possible delays offloading at Vashon, due to lane closure 6:30 am-3 pm. Both of those situations are explained here.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Two reader reports:
STOLEN PICKUP TRUCK: Sent by B:
My buddy’s 2002 black Dodge Ram 2500 extended-cab 4×4 truck was stolen in Arbor Heights this morning. It has a Cummins diesel and a unique exhaust (little louder then stock) and license plate WA: 2FISHON – could be in Seattle, Burien, King County, or anywhere.
No police report # yet; will add when we get it.
FOUND BICYCLE: This was spotted in Westwood today by someone suspecting it was stolen and abandoned:
Yours? Email us and we’ll connect you.
8:17 PM: Off-and-on trouble continues for the West Seattle low bridge. It’s been closed to all surface traffic for more than an hour – no ETA on when it’ll be fixed, so don’t pull up and wait.
9:34 PM: Back in service again – green lights for both the path and driving lanes. Reminder – the low bridge has a scheduled closure starting this Friday, for re-installation of a cylinder.
Thanks to everyone who emailed/texted photos of the early-evening rainbow! Double in some spots, like this view from near Solstice Park …
We don’t have photo credits for those two but this one is from Victoria Gnatoka …
Bonus pre-rainbow view from James Bratsanos, clouds over the Olympics:
Tomorrow’s forecast looks unsettled too – more showers are likely.
Spotted this sign on the interior east side of Jefferson Square today – looks like See’s Candies is coming back. Three years ago, the classic candymaker had a holiday-season shop at J-Square that lingered until Valentine’s Day; we’ll check with the company tomorrow to see if that’s the plan this time – nothing on the See’s website yet.
(WSB photos)
2:28 PM: It’s a blustery autumn day, but the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is on – both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, until 5 pm. See the map, activity list, and schedule here. Lots of indoor and under-a-canopy options – like the bunny petting zoo west of the schoolhouse! Also outside the schoolhouse, you’ll find The Falconer with amazing birds:
Among the other activities already under way: Until 3 pm, the decorated-cake contest is happening in the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall, where you’ll also find the Jump Ensemble. More coverage to come!
2:46 PM: Quite an array of cakes entered. Above, the advanced; below, some of the intermediate:
Voting goes on a little while longer. With live music from the Jump Ensemble!
(Then come back at 4 pm for the “cake trot.”) And outside the church/Y building, build a birdhouse, paint a pumpkin, make a salmon hat … we are off to check on some of that.
3:10 PM: The weather’s actually not too bad – still dry, and not quite so windy in the sheltered area between the church and schoolhouse. Salmon-hat-making is going swimmingly:
And pumpkin painting is as popular as ever:
At the east end of the lot outside the church, the clatter of busy birdhouse-builders:
This is all free, except for the food concessions you’ll find scattered around the grounds.
(Photo courtesy Holli Margell)
Coming up at 3:30, a trio of performances – the West Seattle Big Band in the Emerald Room at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south side of the schoolhouse), Dance West Seattle in the Vashon Room at The Hall, School of Rock in the church lot, and the Hilltop Jazz Project by the playground outside the west side of the schoolhouse. The festival’s on until 5 pm.
5:02 PM: Before we left about an hour ago, we recorded a bit of the ever-fabulous West Seattle Big Band, directed by Jim Edwards:
And as we wrap up our coverage (aside from adding the cake-contest results later), we wanted to publicly thank the festival team for the surprise tribute to WSB co-founder Patrick Sand … buttons bearing a photo of him:
Even without him, WSB will keep showing up for what’s happening in West Seattle.
ADDED 11:02 PM: From cake-contest organizer Emer, the winners:
Beginner:
1st – cake #28 Emma
2nd – cake #26 Michael
3rd – cake #44 IrisIntermediate:
(Photo courtesy Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
1st – cake #34 Karen
2nd – cake #40 Leah
3rd – cake #35 KarenAdvanced:
1st – #12 – the unknown winner. Ghost cake with the spider web. (Seen in photo near top of story)
2nd – cake #40 Rachel
3nd – cake #22 Katie
#12 was dropped off without a name – they’d like to get the baker/decorator their prize; email us and we can contact you, or comment below. Emer adds, “I would also like to thank the church youth group for decorating and contributing so many cakes!”
(WSB photo, Wednesday)
Last Wednesday we reported on the new mural taking shape under the overpass just north of the Luna Park mini-business district. You can contribute to it this afternoon – they’re having a “community paint day” right now until 4 pm and all are welcome to stop by. The official address is 2901 SW Avalon Way.
Thanks to Tom Gass for the report:
The West Seattle Holy Rosary CYO 7th/8th grade girls’ soccer team finished as the only undefeated team in the north and south divisions of the CYO K-8 league. Playoffs start today with Holy Rosary playing St. Francis (Burien) at 1:30 pm at Kennedy HS (140 S. 140th, Burien).
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As you’ll notice in the top-left of the photo above, behind the pumpkin patch there is another new addition to the Ounces area: smash-burger vendor Burbs Burgers, which as we reported last month has relaunched and expanded into West Seattle, and it’s now open for business in the portion of the property where food trucks had previously set up:
West Seattleite Bersain Gutierrez is the new owner of Burbs, and told us that business has been solid since they opened as part of Ounces’ Oktoberfest event earlier this month, and said that they plan to be open on same days/times that Ounces is open (6 days per week).
Gutierrez said their most popular signature items are the “Special B” smash burger on a pretzel bun, and the “Burbs Dog” loaded hot dog:
Burbs’ posted menu:
Business hours for Ounces are:
Mon: Closed
Tues: 4-9pm
Wed: 4-9pm
Thu: 4-9pm
Fri: 3-10pm
Sat: 2-9pm
Sun: 12-7pm
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here are the highlights of what’s happening in our area today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings):
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, with seasonal produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
SMALL BIZ POP-UP: While you’re in The Junction for the Farmers’ Market, check out this market, with small-biz pop-ups, 10 am-2 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).
ALKI UCC DONATION DRIVE: Here’s what the church at 6115 SW Hinds is collecting today:
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard
This month’s priority: warm clothing, particularly coats for men, and NEW SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS!Also needed: Non-perishable food, men’s work clothing, hygiene items, and outdoor gear: tents, tarps, blankets, etc.
Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
SELF-CARE SUNDAY: Fun activities 11 am-3 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), hosted by Maslow’s Closet – see the plan here!
PUMPKIN PATCH AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm, second weekend!
Cascadia Produce has turned our beer garden into a Pumpkin Patch! Pick out your pumpkins, snap pics at the hay-bale photo booth, get festive for fall and drink beer while you’re at it! Patch will be open when Ounces is (Tuesdays – Sundays) thru 10/26! It’s FREE (no entry fee), all ages and dogs welcome!
(3809 Delridge Way SW)
FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: 12-6 pm, final day for this pop-up art show with five artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)
ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).
FREE ART WORKSHOP: At Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 1-2 pm, with Eileen Jiminez.
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Rain or shine, the festival is happening! 2-5 pm on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, free fall fun including pumpkin painting, birdhouse building, bunny petting, live music, “cake trot,” much more. See the event schedule, activity list, and map here.
DINE OUT TO SUPPORT CO-OP PRESCHOOLS: Both locations of Future Primitive Brewing, and associated food providers, are donating a part of their proceeds to four local co-op preschools 3-8 pm today – details in our calendar listing.
JERRY CANTRELL SIGNING AT EASY STREET: 4 pm, Jerry Cantrell signs his new album at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW). Our calendar listing explains how to get in.
‘BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT’: Series of Sunday night events at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW):
We are pleased to be able to offer this series to our community and invite all who are interested in learning more about the history and future of the Duwamish tribe and the effects of colonization on the Indigenous community to join us.
5 pm-6 pm, no RSVP required.
BYRD ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT, WITH TICKET DEAL: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd SW/SW Genesee), the Byrd Ensemble (WSB sponsor) sings music of “The Tudors.” Get your ticket(s) online with code WSBLOG30 for a discount price.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Tomorrow’s biggest West Seattle event is the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, stretching across multiple venues on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW. Here’s the official map:
And here’s the schedule for all the events packed into three fun hours, 2-5 pm:
The full list of everything you’ll find is page 2 of this PDF that includes the map and schedule you’ll see above. Everything is free except the food that vendors are selling. And if you’re making a cake for the decoration contest/cake trot, be sure to drop it at the Fauntleroy UCC Fellowship Hall by 1 pm!
Thanks for the texted photo! In tonight’s Halloween spotlight – “temporary annual neighborhood name change is in effect.” (If you don’t recognize the neighborhood, the RIP gives a hint.) We’re continuing to welcome Halloween-sight photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Tomorrow (Sunday, October 20) night, the Byrd Ensemble returns to West Seattle with a new vocal concert, spotlighting the music of “The Tudors.” The Byrd Ensemble is sponsoring WSB this weekend to make sure you know about a ticket deal – 30 percent off if you order online with the code WSBLOG30. The concert is at 7:30 pm Sunday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (42nd and Genesee) – here’s what you’ll see and hear:
An exploration of Renaissance music from Tudor England, this program features Latin motets by the finest composers of the era: John Taverner, Robert White, William Cornysh, John Sheppard, and William Byrd. The program also includes a new work by American composer Nico Muhly, Fallings (2023), commissioned by the Byrd Ensemble in celebration of their 20th Anniversary.
The Byrd Ensemble, directed by Markdavin Obenza, is an internationally acclaimed, Seattle-based professional ensemble performing with at least 10 singers.
A reader called this morning with news that Jones Barbeque at 4417 Fauntleroy Way SW appeared to have been broken into. The restaurant confirms it via social media. They’re open but not accepting cash – just credit/debit.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Earlier this month, we reported that baker Chely Smithgall was very close to opening her Fine Baking Co. storefront at 6971 California SW in south Morgan Junction, after a long process going back more than a year, waiting for approval of permits and getting everything ready.
We stopped by on Friday to check on the progress, and were welcomed by Smithgall saying that yes, they’re open! She said they had a “soft opening” last Saturday the 12th and sold out of stock, and have had a busy week of happy customers stopping by.
For now, they are continuing their “soft open hours” of 11 am-3 pm on Thu/Fri/Sat (including today), and 11 am-5 pm Tue, or until they sell out each day (the shop is closed Mon/Wed/Sun).
Smithgall said she is tentatively planning a “grand opening” event next Saturday Oct 26th, “weather permitting” because she wants to do a ribbon-cutting outside the shop.
Smithgall is already a well-known baker in the area, known for cupcakes, cake pops, custom cakes and printed cookies as a “home baker with a cottage food permit.” She said that currently she is the only baker at the shop, but will need to hire more staff to keep up.
Visitors to the shop will likely first notice the entryway sign with a subtle suggestion:
Smithgall said she is grateful for people stopping in, and said their recurring comments have been “we’re so glad you’re finally open; we’ve been drooling every time we go by!”
We weren’t at Chief Sealth International High School‘s Friday night football game because they played on the road, but did want to report that the Seahawks beat Nathan Hale, 34-20, at Northeast Athletic Complex. Head coach Daron Camacho‘s team is now 6-1, second in the Metro League.
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