August 2025

Small business owners in West Seattle gathered at Gary's Place on Alki Beach, for a crucial roundtable discussion on the profound impacts of federal tariffs and trade policy. Hosted by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the meeting convened local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and state officials, including NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa and WA State Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyen. The aim was to facilitate a direct conversation, allowing businesses to share their experiences with leaders who can advocate for them.

Key Participants and Purpose

By Patrick Robinson

The aftermath of the dramatic daylight robbery at Menashe and Sons Jewelers, located in the heart of the West Seattle Junction at 4532 California Ave., has seen the family-owned business grappling with shock, implementing significant security upgrades, and supporting their employees, all while witnessing an outpouring of community solidarity.

The robbery, which occurred around noon on Thursday, August 14, involved four masked and gloved men who, armed with bear spray, smashed through the controlled entrance with hammers and forced employees to the floor, specifically targeting gold, emeralds, and Rolex watches. 

Jack said he was surprised not by the threats of the bear spray, but by the seeming cordial nature of one robber who "politely asked me to 'Please get on the floor' and who seemed like he would have rather been anywhere else."

Get ready for an evening of art, music, and community as the Rat City Art Walk hosts its largest event to date this Thursday Aug. 21, from 5-8 PM. This free, monthly celebration promises to transform the streets of White Center into a vibrant outdoor gallery, showcasing the work of 100 featured artists.

Attendees are encouraged to bring family, pets, and friends for a leisurely neighborhood stroll, enjoying art displayed both inside and outside participating businesses. Look for the signature inflatable rats outside each location, which will serve as guides throughout the Art Walk.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), encompassing the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, has announced a strong performance for the week ending August 8, 2025, setting a new record for vessel lifts in Terminal 5's history. The positive weekly figures arrive as the NWSA also prepares to co-host a small business roundtable in West Seattle to discuss the ongoing impacts of tariffs and trade policy on the local economy.

Information from Seattle Police Blotter

Seattle police officers are investigating a stabbing at Westwood Village this morning that left a 30-year-old man suffering from severe lacerations.

At about 12:40 a.m., patrol officers responded to a report of stabbing in the 2600 block of Southwest Barton Street. There, officers found a man suffering multiple injuries. According to the police report, he was “bleeding from several severe lacerations to his hands, upper chest, and left leg.”

Police and the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) provided medical care to the victim. SFD transported him to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.

According to the victim, the suspect began stabbing him with a butcher knife while he was sleeping. The suspect left the area before police arrived.

By Jennifer Carrasco

My Dad told me, "Jennifer, if you are ever involved in a bar fight, get the hell out of there." 

Dan and Joe, our Peace Corps friends from the neighboring barrio of GoaGoa, were visiting our town of Sorsogon, so our buddy Pabling volunteered to show us around the night before Norma and I left for vacation.

As young Peace Corp American women, we had big adjustments to make in a barrio culture. Unmarried Filipinas were strictly supervised, and any free association with men outside the family, married or single, was condemned. Gossip was swift and vicious. The woman was branded immoral and a shame for the family.