Archives for March 2015

Your Busy Weekend in Northeast Seattle, March 27-April 2

The forecast calls for rain this weekend with temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s. The sun might peek through Sunday afternoon.

FRIDAY, March 27

  • Play board and card games with coffee and treats.
    • Games will be available or bring your own to Game Night with GeekGirlCon at Wayward Coffee House, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE. Second and Fourth Friday, 7-11 PM. No cover.

SATURDAY, March 28

  • View and shop the work of talented northwest artists and craftspeople. 
    • Best of the Northwest 2015 Spring Show, Magnuson Park, Hangar 30. More than 100 local artists, local food vendors, live music, and free arts table for the kids. Parking is free. Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM. Tickets are $6 at the door or $5 in advance online. Children 12 and under are free.
  • Shop spring plants at your local Audubon Society. 
  • Attend a workshop with a local zine artist. 
    • Drawing workshop with Owen Curtsinger. Owen will share his new self-published graphic novel, Myths of the Tusk, about the mysteries of the Narwhal.

SUNDAY, March 29

  • View and shop the work of talented northwest artists and craftspeople. 

MONDAY, March 30

  • Listen to a science talk with adult beverages. 
    • Science on Tap at Third Place Pub, 6504 20th Ave NE. “Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance: The Myths, The Reality and Hope for a Treatment,” with Ingrid Swanson Putlz, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington. 7 PM. FREE.

THURSDAY, April 2

Anything else to add? Garage sale? Fundraiser? Lemonade stand? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it to the post!

Want to promote an upcoming NE Seattle weekend happeningEmail us ahead of time, or use our online comment form to tell us about it.

We publish these Busy Weekend posts at noon on Thursdays.

Northeast Seattle Link Connections open house (LIVE COVERAGE)

The University of Washington and Capitol Hill Light Rail Stations are now just one year a way from opening to trains and passengers. How is transit going to get you to those stations?

Ahead of the University Link light rail extension opening in the spring of next year, King County Metro is proposing a slew of changes to Northeast Seattle Metro routes to better integrate service with the next link in the light rail chain: the University Link.

Tonight, Thursday, March 26, from 6-8PM at University Heights Center, Room 209 (5031 University Way NE), King County Metro holds their last open house meeting about these proposed changes (previous open houses were held on Capitol Hill on March 19 and the Eastside on March 25).
 
You can see the changes proposed (and the two alternative route change plans) here on King County Metro Online. Additionally, the Seattle Transit Blog has an overlapping, interactive map illustrating the differences (more on this below).
 
We will be at the open house, and plan to provide live coverage below this post.
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The question for Northeast Seattle transit users regarding proposed route changes appears to be (generalizing here): Are we willing to trade in under-performing routes and stops for increased frequency?

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We asked around, and this Metro stop sign, with the daisy logo in the lower left corner, dates to at least the mid-1990s. (Stop #38000, west-bound on NE 65 Street and Ravenna Ave NE).

 

For example: Could you imagine life without the good ol’ 71 Express? It’s tough, especially for residents in Wedgwood and View Ridge where service would be reduced. But what if it were replaced by a heavily revamped Route 16 that arrived every 15 minutes (instead of the 71’s 30 minutes) and created an enhanced east-west transit corridor from Green Lake all the way to Sand Point Way? Are residents willing to walk a little further for changes like these?

More on the map I mentioned above: For a visual, flipbook-style look at present service and proposed changes, we recommend checking out the map found in this Seattle Transit Blog post. Hover your cursor over the map image found there, then click and hold the vertical white line. Move the line left and right to see the changes.

The Seattle Transit Blog posted their take on the changes proposed for Northeast Seattle routes earlier this month. If one is looking for more detail about the proposed changes (and what the differences between Alternate 1 and 2 mean), their post is a good read. Included in the post is a list of route-by-route changes for riders wondering what their new alternatives would be.

UPDATE (6:39 PM): Alternative 1 Montlake Triangle Vicinity Routes map:



Your Busy Weekend in Northeast Seattle, March 20-26

We’ll likely see some rain on Saturday with temperatures in the mid-50s but Sunday has some potential for sun and slightly warmer temperatures.

FRIDAY, March 20

  • Watch and discuss a social justice documentary film. 
    • Meaningful Movies at Keystone Church, 5019 Keystone Place N in Wallingford. Showing Uranium Drive In in which a rural community in Colorado debates a proposed uranium mill. Every Friday, 7 PM. By Donation.

SATURDAY, March 21

  • Shop gently-used kids’ gear.  
    • Phinney Neighborhood Center Preschool Co-op’s Kids Sale in the Community Hall of the brick building at 6532 Phinney Ave N. Items include clothing, toys, books, strollers, furniture, gear, and maternity wear. Many items discounted 50% starting at noon. Get a peek at some goodies up for sale here. 9 AM-1 PM. FREE.
  • Sample wines from Elk Cove Vineyards at your local wine merchant.
    • Wine tasting at McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants, 6500 Ravenna Ave NE. Every Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM. FREE.
  • Entertain the kids with storytime.

SUNDAY, March 22

  • Attend an all ages variety show.
    • Evan’s Family Variety Show in the brick building at 6532 Phinney Ave N. Magicians, jugglers, dancers, circus artists, etc. FREE but tickets required. Register HERE.

TUESDAY, March 24

  • Listen to original poetry by Lincoln Elementary 5th Grade Students. 

WEDNESDAY, March 25

  • Cozy up in your pajamas for stories and puppets.

Anything else to add? Garage sale? Fundraiser? Lemonade stand? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it to the post!

Want to promote an upcoming NE Seattle weekend happeningEmail us ahead of time, or use our online comment form to tell us about it.

We publish these Busy Weekend posts at noon on Thursdays.

District 4 candidates forum (LIVE COVERAGE)

On Wednesday, March 18, the District 4 Seattle City Council candidates will once again meet before a live and local audience.

A forum is being held at Sand Point Community Church’s Perry Hall (4710 NE 70th Street) from 7:30-8:30 PM. Candidates have previously met before District 4 residents on two occasions (before the Eastlake Community Council and the Roosevelt Neighbors’ Alliance). 

Candidates participating include: Rob Johnson, Taso Lagos, Michael Maddux, Tony Provine, and incumbent Jean Godden.  

Nancy Bolin (with the View Ridge Community Council) will moderate the event, sponsored by Hawthorne Hills Community Council, View Ridge Community Council, Laurelhurst Community Club and Ravenna-Bryant Community Association.

Wednesday night’s event is the last scheduled one for the current candidates before the Northeast District Council forum on Wednesday, June 17. 

We will be attending this event and will provide live coverage below (as reception at the venue allows).

Ol Faithful Brewing Company prepares to erupt in Ravenna

Walking around the corner of NE 55th Street and 26th Avenue NE, you’d never guess someone’s dreams were about to come true.

But just behind/under Carl’s Foreign Car Services, that is exactly what is happening.

Old Faithful Brewing's future front door with patio (after the wood gets hauled away, of course).

Old Faithful Brewing’s future front door with patio (after the wood gets hauled away, of course).

Tommy and Elise Ortega are in the midst of turning what used to be an old motorcycle shop into a neighborhood craft brewery. A patio will grace the front of the establishment, while the indoor seating will include a view of the brew equipment currently being installed on a sunken platform in the floor. Brother-in-law Bud will be running the front of the house.

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Interior of the Ol Faithful Brewing space, currently under construction (photo by Old Faithful Brewing Co, used with permission).

More about the Ortegas’ vision for Ol Faithful (via email):

We plan on having the locals decide what they want on some taps, perhaps by having a large chalk board, or something of that nature. We also plan on having some locals help with some brews that were elected by the community. We plan to engage the neighborhood, not only by providing craft beers, but being part of the ongoing development of it. Volunteering, sponsoring, and being actively visual to the community.

The name, Ol Faithful, comes from the couple’s name for their home — a Craftsman in Fremont built in 1907:

We think our house has been faithful to all it’s prior owners (its a very old house, I can’t believe its still standing), so we named the house [Ol Faithful]. Seeing how we always brewed there, it was easy to just transition the name to the brewery. (now we just need a new name for our house)

You can see some of the Ortegas’ past brews here on Untappd, a social media site and app for beer appreciators.

Ol Faithful Brewing Company is aiming to erupt open this summer.

Press conference regarding Sisley property fines (LIVE COVERAGE, UPDATES)

The Roosevelt Neighborhood Association shared some intriguing news this morning, regarding the approximately $3 million in fines owed to the city by a certain well-known local landlord.

The city attorney’s office is holding a press conference on Friday, March 13, on the northwest corner of NE 65th Street and 14th Avenue NE to provide details on how “the City is moving forward decisively in dealing with the $3 million-plus legal judgment owed by the Sisleys.”

You can read the whole press release here.

Once we secure arrangements for our youngest intern, we plan on attending the event and providing live coverage below.

UPDATE (Friday, March 13): This is the ordinance the mayor will transmit to the city council next week regarding the seizure of some of the Sisleys’ properties to create a park.  Click on any image to see the full size version.


 

UPDATE (Friday, March 13, 1:40 PM): In addition to the above ordinance being presented to the City Council next week, the mayor’s office put out a press release regarding the plans to seize two properties belonging to Hugh Sisley. Here are the main points of the plan (from the press release):

Should the judgments, interest and penalties related to the violations remain unpaid, the city will seek to have the properties seized by the King County Sheriff and sold at auction. Murray intends to transmit an ordinance to the City Council next week that allows the city to purchase the two properties at 1322 and 1318 NE 65th St.

The city intends to bid on the properties at auction, using a credit bid based on the $3.3 million owed the city by the Sisleys, in order to build a new city park for the neighborhood.

If the supplemental proceedings that allows the city to collect more than $2 million in penalties have not concluded prior to the auction, the city will use a $1 King County Conservation Futures grant, in addition to credit based on the judgments and interest owed the city.

Roosevelt's Jim O'Halloran (center) speaks with Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes (left) and City Councilmember Jean Godden (right) before the press conference.

Roosevelt’s Jim O’Halloran (center) speaks with Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes (left) and City Councilmember Jean Godden (right) before the press conference.

While those residents gathered at the press conference were pleased with the actions the city plans to take, many were dismayed that none of them (as of yet) involved tearing down any dilapidated buildings. The parcels the city is zeroing in on for this first seizure have both been vacant for years.

Holmes Sisley press conference1

View from 14th Avenue NE/NE 66th Street south to NE 65th Street.

Once the date of the City Council meeting is known, we will post that information here.

Your Busy Weekend in Northeast Seattle, March 13-18

The rain returns this weekend with highs in the mid 50s. But that’s good news for the allergy sufferers among us, right?!

THURSDAY, March 12

  • Celebrate St. Patty’s day early with some magic.
  • Learn how to knit with your arms!
    • Arm knitting demonstration at Acorn Street Shop, 2818 NE 55th Street. Bring or purchase enough yard to make a cowl, blanket, or other project of your choosing. 6-8 PM. FREE.

FRIDAY, March 13

  • Attend a press conference update on the Sisleys. 
    • The mayor, council members, and representatives from city departments will gather for a press conference update on $3 million+ legal judgement owed by the Sisleys. Meet at the northwest corner of NE 65th ST and 14th Ave NE. 10 AM.
  • Watch a movie with your friends under ten. 
    • Movie Night at Ravenna Eckstein Community Center at 6535 Ravenna Ave NE. Popcorn and a coloring sheet included. Donations accepted. 6:30-8 PM. FREE.
  • Play board and card games with coffee and treats.
    • Games will be available or bring your own to Game Night with GeekGirlCon at Wayward Coffee House, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE. Second and Fourth Friday, 7-11 PM. No cover.

MONDAY, March 16

  • Take back story time with a grown-ups only version. 

TUESDAY, March 17 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

WEDNESDAY, March 18

  • Meet your Seattle Council District 4 Candidates.
    • Meet your District Candidates Event at Sand Point Community Church’s Perry Hall, 4710 NE 70th Street. Members of District 4 (included Ravenna and Bryant neighborhoods) will be registered to vote only for their preferred D4 candidate and the two at-large positions instead of voting for 9 Councilmembers as in the past. Incumbent Jean Godden has four official challengers. 7:30-8:30 PM.

Anything else to add? Garage sale? Fundraiser? Lemonade stand? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it to the post!

Want to promote an upcoming NE Seattle weekend happeningEmail us ahead of time, or use our online comment form to tell us about it.

We publish these Busy Weekend posts at noon on Thursdays.

Your Busy Weekend in Norteast Seattle, March 6-12

This weekend should be sunny with temperatures reaching 60 degrees. Let’s get outside! Or maybe grab a sunny seat in front of Ravenna’s new coffee shop, Ventoux Coffee Roasters on NE 55th St. It was a great spot to type up this post, for sure!

FRIDAY, March 6

  • Learn about and discuss the Burke Museum transformation. 
    • Information Sessions at the museum on the UW campus, 17th Ave. NE and NE 45th St. Fridays in March, April, and May, 8:30-9:30 AM. Light refreshments served. Register online. FREE.
  • Skate to music and games with the whole family!
    • Family Skate Nite at Bitter Lake Community Center Annex at 13040 Greenwood Ave N. 6:30-8:45 PM.  Every Friday. $4 per skater.

SATURDAY, March 7

  • Meet paleontologists and check out new fossils like the South Lake Union mammoth tusk! 
    • Dino Day at the Burke Museum, 17th Ave. NE and NE 45th St. 10 AM-4 PM. It’s the museum’s most popular annual event with tons of fun activities for the kids! Included with museum admission ($7.50-10). Free for members.
  • Exchange or buy science fiction and fantasy books, DVDs, or magazines. 
  • Listen to local live jazz with friends and great coffee. 

Anything else to add? Garage sale? Fundraiser? Lemonade stand? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it to the post!

Want to promote an upcoming NE Seattle weekend happeningEmail us ahead of time, or use our online comment form to tell us about it.

We publish these Busy Weekend posts at noon on Thursdays.