by Devin Chicras
West Hill Community Association joined forces with our neighbors and local businesses to find ways to do our part this April for Earth Month. You may have seen our West Hill Reads roundup of the best books about sustainability and eco-friendliness that you can check out from Skyway Library, or read our green tips series on social media. But did you know we also did a Community Spotlight video series for local Meatless Monday options and hosted a community-wide litter challenge?
Community Spotlight on Skyway Restaurants Doing Meatless Monday Right
Many of you followed our WHCA Community Spotlight videos where we turned our lens to local restaurants offering great vegetarian options so you could make a commitment to Meatless Mondays without leaving the neighborhood! Whether you’re reducing your meat intake to improve your health or out of care for animals, your impact on the environment is undeniable. According to The New York Times, “If Americans were to reduce meat consumption by just 20 percent it would be as if we all switched from a standard sedan — a Camry, say — to the ultra-efficient Prius.”
La Herradura
Tucked away on the side of a gas station on Renton Avenue South in Skyway, you may have seen a little red food truck as you pulled into the Skyway Grocery Outlet parking lot. Meet the friendly folks inside and learn why this family-owned and operated business shouldn’t be missed. From the wildly popular quesabirrias and authentic, creative specials to flavorful fresh options for Meatless Monday, you can’t go wrong.
La Herradura is located at 11656 68th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178.
Beach Comber Sports Bar & Grill
A hidden 70-year-old mural. Roomy heated outdoor patio. BRUNCH. The Beach Comber Sports Bar & Grill is a recently renovated community watering hole in Skyway that boasts a new and improved menu and all-ages access. Owner Judy gives you the exclusive tour from kitchen to patio and reveals some impressive Meatless Monday options.
Beach Comber is located at 12623 Renton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178.
My’s Vietnamese Sandwiches and Deli
My came to the U.S. from Vietnam at age 16, eventually finding herself an apprentice at one of South Seattle’s most well-known Vietnamese delis. Her future husband and “helper”, Josh, happened to walk in one day, sparking a love story that leads to My opening her own place in Skyway 20 years later with her family at her side. Our Community Spotlight endeavors to find out what makes their bánh mì sandwiches the best around, and identify just how many vegan options they really offer.
My’s is located at 12619 Renton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178.
WHCA 2021 Litter Challenge
This April, we asked neighbors – our extended West Hill Action Mob team – to help us make Skyway-West Hill shine: grab a grocery bag, go for a walk around your neighborhood, and fill it up with litter. At least twenty neighbors pledged to fill over 50 bags and report back.
Did you fill up a bag? Don’t forget to let us know so you can be counted in the final total! Bonus if you’ve got a photo or story to share.
Here’s one story from our friend Haleina Dunn:
A few of your neighbors have already turned in their reports, and here’s what they shared:
Me and my two daughters, 9 & 7, and our pup go for regular walks around our neighborhood near Talley HS. This week they’ve learned about Earth days it was fitting we all grabs bags and gloves for our regular walk. I was surprised to get 3 full bags and could still fill at least 3 more. We talked about how great it felt to help clean up the things thrown out along the road and parking lots. It was surprising to us that there’s so much of it when you’re looking for it and lots of plastic and aluminum cans. We will definitely continue grab and fill a bag at least a couple times a week.
Rebecca B., who helped clean up around 76th Avenue South and South 132nd Street
I took my two kids the first day, and we collected 3 bags of trash. The second day I went, I collected one of trash and one of recycling. I think I’ll take my kids around to pick up trash on a regular basis – it was a fun exercise.
Arwyn, who helped clean up around 79th Avenue South and 80th Avenue South
Thank you for helping us celebrate Earth Month in Skyway-West Hill. Our neighbors all deserve to be happy, healthy, and thriving – in an environment that is just the same. And because Earth Day really should be EVERY DAY, please stay in touch as we announce more ways to contribute to a happier, healthier Skyway-West Hill – including partnering with King County Parks for a work party in Skyway Park this June (details to be announced soon!).
Hey neighbors! If you like having a more engaged, informed, and vibrant community, you can make a huge impact by joining your neighbors in giving $5 or more a month to the leanest, hardest working all-volunteer nonprofit in the neighborhood.