October 2022

 When Carol Kelly took a job at Spud Fish and Chips on Alki she was only 18 years old. That was Sept. 15, 1972 and Carol said, "My sister got me the job." She was hired by Rick Alger, son of Frank Alger, the founder of SPUD, one of West Seattle's oldest businesses which began in 1935. It's now owned by Ivar's.

When Carol started she made $1.80 an hour.

She worked alongside Rick and his wife Terrie until their retirement in 1999.

Carol has two daughters:

• Ashley- Who has worked for SPUD since she was a teen in 2003.  She is now the General Manager of Ivar’s Acres of Clams restaurant. 

• Victoria (Tori)- Who worked for Alki Spud as a teen beginning in 2007 and was Assistant Manager at Spud before leaving in early 2020.  

The site of the Morgan Junction Park addition, at 6311 California Ave SW, where a car repair shop, dry cleaner and convenience store were all once located, has been adopted by skateboarders who have, apparently on their own, built a series of concrete structures, used for skaters including small halfpipes, ramps, and other spots to do tricks. 

Seattle Parks Rachel Schulkin said, "Unfortunately, this site is not safe for public use of any type and we’ll have to remove any skate equipment and re-lock the site.  SPR has submitted for a grading permit (6924009-GR) to remove the hazardous material left over from the former dry cleaner.  Included in the removal of HAZMAT will be some landscape improvements.  We anticipate completing this work and opening the site to the public Spring 2023."

The Seattle Parks web page for the site states:

By WestsideSeattle.com staff

The stories of a place like West Seattle are often told in quick hits, but don't provide a deeper understanding. A new YouTube channel that is a cooperative effort between WestsideSeattle.com and Jaroslaw Media aims to bring more. Inside West Seattle is a collection of interviews with notable West Seattle residents, some business owners, and others whose stories are worth telling.

"In reading stories about West Seattle, since I live here, I felt as if the back story for so many of the fascinating people here was not being told", said Mark Jaroslaw, "so I approached Editor/Photographer Patrick Robinson with the idea." 

Each interview and feature piece includes still photos that complement the interviews. The videos range in length from 4 minutes to 20 minutes.

information from the City of Burien

Burien Police Chief Theodore “Ted” Boe has accepted a promotion to serve as Patrol Operations Division Chief for King County Sheriff’s Office, effective January 1, 2023.

“I want to thank the Burien City Council, leadership team, and community for giving me the opportunity to serve as your police chief,” said Chief Boe. “I believe I am leaving this police department better than I found it; with systems in place that allow for accountability, alignment with best practices, and an openness to exploring innovative ideas to solve problems. I also leave this department staffed by a team of dedicated, compassionate, and highly trained professionals focused on delivering exceptional service to everyone in Burien. I remain humbled by the support this community has offered me during my tenure as your chief. It has been a true honor to serve Burien for the last five years.”