March 2023

West Seattle Thriftway is widely known as a happy family of friendly people. 

One of the best known of those folks, is Brian Bixenman, Store Director who will retire early next month. His last day at the store is April 7.

He's been in the grocery business ever since he was 14 working at a market in White Center "with wood shavings on the floor" he said. From there he worked at Larry's Markets (starting at age 15) for 24 years, working his way up to become the Store Director. "I got a weekend off and started here," he said laughing.

That was in 1999.

He's married and had three children, now has five grandchildren. "That's the plan, to spend more time with them."

He plans to do some golfing and since he's never had the time to fish, "I'm going to learn how." 

"I love West Seattle," he said, "and the people."

Steve Kamphaus will take over as Store Director as of April 8.

What if you were told that regular exposure to heat in a controlled way could extend your life and make you feel better in the process?

That's more than a claim. It's backed by real science and available at We Sweat West Seattle in the Admiral District.

Owned now by Ali Atri the business was purchased from its founder last October and offers a form of sauna you may not be familiar with.

Burien Chief of Police Ted Poe took to social media this week to express his frustration with the state law that prevents pursuit of suspects. 

That law, passed in 2021 prevents pursuit of suspects without probable cause. The frustration in Chief Poe's post echoes that of other police departments and has led to a widespread perception that crime is increasing since there is less accountability, less chance of being pursued and caught.

On March 8 the Washington State Senate narrowly passed a bill, similar to one passed by the House that updates and modifies the law. 

A year ago there was still hope. The Yen Wor Village, a fixture in the Admiral District for more than 30 years faced pressures from health issues and the struggle to climb back out of the pandemic. Despite efforts to save it, the restaurant will close forever on March 31.

Westside Seattle brought you the story last year of owners Gary and Wendy Wong facing health issues and considering closure. Sons Issac and Larry Wong stepped up and took over, made changes and found community support. A GoFundMe campaign was launched and raised more than $10,000.

The Yen Wor became a place to get traditional American/Chinese food, classic cocktails and sing karaoke in their large lounge.

The 38' Skookum, a steel hulled sailboat that was abandoned by it's owner and subsequently sank just off shore on Harbor Ave SW has been raised.

The owner was allegedly arrested, in October of last year according to area neighbors who witnessed the event. There is no corroborating information about his identity or why he abandoned the craft which was illegally moored just south of Salty's on Alki near the street end park. 

Update 3/17

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has upheld the determination of non-significance in the plan to remodel Alki Elementary School. He sent a letter to the appellants that reads:

I have received the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation (“Recommendation”) regarding the SEPA Appeal that was filed by several appellants for the Alki Elementary School Addition and Renovation Project. I have carefully reviewed the Recommendation and find it to be sound. As a result, I adopt the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation. Appellants’ evidence has not shown the Responsible Official’s SEPA determination to be clearly erroneous. The SEPA Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance is therefore affirmed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brent Jones Superintendent