Mayor McGinn Town Hall tonight at the University Heights Center

January 25, 2011 by 2 Comments

Have a question you’ve just been dying to ask Mayor Mike McGinn, in person? Want to learn more about city departments and local volunteer organizations?

Hop on your bike* and head down to the University Heights Center (5031 University Way NE)  tonight, and you’ll get your chance.

Here’s the agenda (via the University Neighborhood Service Center):

5:30-6:30 City Departments and local volunteer organization will have information tables and be available to answer questions and provide volunteer opportunities

6:30-6:35 Performance from the Broadway Bound singers

6:35-8:00 Open question and answer session with the Mayor and City staff

This is the Mayor’s first town hall of the year. More are planned for the future, presumably in other areas of the city.

One of the things you might want to ask Mayor McGinn about are the lovely potholes (dark and deep) on Ravenna Blvd. Here we have some background information for you: The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is planning to resurface the entire thing (between Green Lake and 15th Avenue NE) in 2012. Until then, a work order has been made to help fill the gaps before the “Bridging the Gap” levy money can really smooth things over. Read the entire statement from the SDOT here, on My Green Lake.

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*Obligatory bicycle mention in Mayor McGinn post (SMC 11.46.010: Areas of operation).

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Introducing your neighborhood PIE school

January 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Yesterday was National Pie Day (designated thus by the American Pie Council, of course). Perhaps you celebrated by eating some. And now you’re wondering, how can I celebrate this holiday more often?

Photos courtesy Wendy Sykes, Four and 20 Blackbirds

Wendy Sykes can help you with that. She’s the owner of Four and 20 Blackbirds, a baking school right here in Ravenna that she started last September.

The classes Four and 20 Blackbirds is offering right now are Pie Class, Parent/Child Pie Class, Cooking Making and Parent/Child Cookie Decorating. Wendy has plans in the works to add more baking and crafting classes to the mix later on. She’s also able to schedule classes for private events.

"It’s like coloring – but you get to eat the page. And the page is gooooooood," says the website.

The first thing you get from the pie class? A piece of pie, TO EAT. That’s fantastic.

Wendy was interviewed on KUOW this morning (where she once worked for nearly 8 years), along with Kimmy Tomlinson of West Seattle’s Shoofly Pie Company and Dani Cone of High 5 Pie in Capitol Hill. You can listen to the program on KUOW’s website here.

Too cute to eat? NAH.

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Ravenna-Bryant Community Association meeting tonight

January 19, 2011 by 6 Comments

The Ravenna-Bryant Community Association is meeting TONIGHT at the Northeast Branch of the Seattle Public Library (6801 35th Ave NE), from 6-7:45 PM.

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In case you’d like to participate but can’t make it tonight, is there anything you’d like to share? Or know about? Have any concerns? Just want to profess your love for the neighborhood?

I’ll be attending tonight’s meeting and can convey your message to the group. Send me an email, or leave a comment below, and I’ll pass it along.

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Sunflour Bakery Cafe hit with graffiti; plus, how to report

January 16, 2011 by 6 Comments

Reader and long-time resident, Richard, wrote in yesterday to say that the Sunflour Bakery Cafe (3118 NE 65th St) had been tagged by some rather sizable graffiti:

Graffiti found on the east side of the Sunflour Bakery Cafe building

He’d like to find those responsible and see them made to account for their misdeeds (as would we).

Close-up of the graffiti/tag

If we learn anything more about this tagging (we left contact information at the Sunflour this morning), we’ll be sure to post an update here.

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So, what can you do if you spot some new graffiti/tagging in the neighborhood?

If the graffiti is on public property, you can call the Graffiti Report Line at (206) 684-7587. Additionally, Seattle Public Utilities has an online Report Graffiti Form which includes sizeable text boxes in which to describe the vandalism, location, and any other comments you may have. I would also recommend taking a picture of the graffiti and saying you have such on the form or within your phone call.

If you have graffiti on your own private property, call the Seattle Police Department at (206) 625-5011 to file a police report.

If you see graffiti in progress, however, DO call 911. Graffiti vandals must be caught in the act to be prosecuted, says the SPD.

More information on Seattle Public Utilities Graffiti Prevention and Removal can be found here.

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House fire on East Ravenna Blvd, no injuries

January 15, 2011 by 4 Comments

Flames escaping through the windows of the second floor apartment (Photo courtesy Dylan Cline)

Over a dozen area fire department vehicles were called to the 1800 block of Ravenna Blvd around 12:50 pm to battle a house fire. The resident of the apartment was home at the time, but was uninjured.

Showing the damaged second story apartment windows

The residence consisted of a rented out studio apartment on the second floor, and the office of an architect below.

Residents watch the action from the median

Fire department staff on scene said that the fire was started accidentally, in the apartment unit. Unfortunately for the renter, nothing appears to be salvageable.

I spoke with the apartment renter briefly at the scene. He said he’d been in the residence for about 6 or 7 years and greatly enjoys the neighborhood.

Two of the fourteen fire department vehicles called to the fire

The home itself was formerly a city light substation built in 1921, and found its second life through the work of the architect whose office is located on the first floor.  You can read more about Thomas Burkle’s work at his website, Architecture Inside Out (architectinside.com), and see photos of the residence in better times.

Fire department vehicles and staff on site at the residence, after the fire was extinguished.

UPDATE (3:40 PM): We have video of the fire and the firefighters putting it out (thank you to Benjamin):

Ravenna House Fire from b b on Vimeo.

UPDATE (6:14 PM): From the Seattle Times:

A house in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood burned Saturday in a fire sparked by overheated electrical wiring.

Flames were seen shooting out of the second floor before firefighters doused the blaze. Damage to the house was estimated at $120,000, said Lt. Sue Stangl of the Seattle Fire Department. Another $20,000 worth of property inside was lost.

UPDATE (10:14 PM): KING5.com has a few pictures up in a slideshow as well, some from Dylan and others from Dale Steinke of Phinneywood.com.

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Thank you to Richard Lotz for the 911 site tweet and to Dylan Cline for the use of his photograph.

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Snow! Were you ready? (Updated)

January 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

In case we wake up on the morning and it’s ALL GONE like the weather folks are forecasting, here are a few pictures and one video of my corner of Ravenna in the snow.

Ready for its close-up.

Frosty? Indeed.

Nice swag you got there.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhCz8ORGyqc

UPDATE (11:11 PM): My final tally (on the back porch table) —

Three inches!

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Stay Safe: Get Ready for Snow

January 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Safety Girl reads the weather reports, too, and she has some snow tips for the neighborhood.

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A few inches of snow is no big deal in other parts of the country, but we’ve already been reminded this season that Seattle can grind to a halt under anything more than a light dusting. Here is a quick refresh before the snow flies:

  • Run errands early
  • Stay aware of changing weather conditions
  • Prevent slip-and-falls
  • Don’t let your pipes freeze
  • Be careful on the roads

Run errands early

Don’t wait until the snow is falling before you head out for supplies. Make a pit stop at the grocery or hardware store for any snow supplies you may need. Pick up enough groceries for the duration of the storm, so you won’t be forced to venture out in bad weather. Remember things like a bag of rock salt for the front steps, cat litter or traction grit to keep in your car, and fresh batteries for flashlights in case the power goes out.

Stay aware of changing weather conditions

Snow and storm forecasting is more reliable than it used to be, but still no sure thing. If you’re headed to work or a social event near the time a storm is predicted, keep an eye outside and don’t be afraid to leave if the weather starts to take a turn for the worse.

It’s also best, if you can, to head for home around sunset. Outdoor temperatures drop—and ice forms much more quickly—soon after dark.

Prevent slip-and-falls

When you go out, wear shoes with good tread and try to avoid carrying heavy loads (another reason to grocery shop beforehand). Slips are a frequent cause of injuries during the winter months, and a sprained wrist or broken tailbone can really ruin your month.

When you have an outside entrance to your home, it’s important to shovel and salt your porch steps and your front walk so you or your visitors don’t fall. This is more common several days into a storm, when old snowy footprints turn into uneven ice. Spread rock salt every day, shoveling beforehand if necessary.

Don’t let your pipes freeze

Homedwellers- if the temperature drops below freezing, take precautions to avoid broken pipes. Letting faucets run a slight trickle of water overnight can prevent freezing and bursting. If you’re concerned about water waste, put large containers underneath the faucets, and use the water the following day.

If you own your home or townhouse, you may want to check out more detailed information about insulating your plumbing and preventing frozen pipes.

Be careful on the roads

If you’re not confident in your ability to drive in the snow, or if your vehicle is not prepared for snowy conditions, it’s best to stay home or take the Metro. In the last snow post we covered making a storm kit, chaining your car, and steering out of a skid.

And remember, 4WD does not improve your braking:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dooKpdIwwR4&feature=youtu.be

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Bake-at-home pizza and collegiate surplus new to the area this week

January 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Today, we welcome Zaw Pizza to the (nearly) neighborhood, and tomorrow it’s UW Surplus’ big day!

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New signage, with bonus phone number (photo courtesy Zaw Pizza)

Zaw Artisan Pizza opens its fifth location in Wedgwood (7320 35th Ave NE) today at 2pm. No deliveries this week, as they focus on the pizza-making first; however, busy folks can order ahead and pick up their pizzas while STILL IN THEIR CARS, thanks to a second door to the store, adjacent to the kitchen.

When deliveries start next week, the neighborhoods of Wedgwood, View Ridge, Bryant, Ravenna, and even Laurelhurst are included in the delivery area. Roosevelt and Maple Leafers east of 15th Avenue NE are also in the delivery zone. (The rest of Roosevelt and Maple Leaf, and the University District may be added to the deliver zone later.)

The Wedgwood Zaw crew! Katie, Amanda, Danielle, Stephanie, Will, Nathan, Townley, Danny, Rose and JOE are happy to be here!

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On Tuesday, UW Surplus holds their first public sale from noon-6 PM at their new location (4515 25th Ave NE), across 25th Avenue NE from University Village.

The old location (underneath campus security on Boat Street) had its charm: Lots of wood, lots of old signage. A duck. But it was also small, and had very little head room. And no heat. The new location is quite a bit larger AND heated. (And conveniently located across the street from Radio Shack.)

A sneak peek -- LOOK at all that head room!

Just how does the University of Washington decide what they don’t need or want anymore? From the UW Surplus Store’s FAQ page:

The UW is committed to contributing toward a greener world, and we try to let nothing go to waste if it can be reused, repurposed, or recycled. We take in surplus items from all UW departments and medical facilities. When a department doesn’t need something anymore, they send it to us. We receive items every day, so our stock of items is always changing & evolving.

And what is it like inside? What kind of stuff is the UW parting with? Well, if you’ve even been to the original Archie McPhee’s (on Stone Way) and wished they had more stuff you could outfit your mad scientist lab and office with, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU.

Entrance is the small door to the left of the BIG DOOR.

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Old University Village appreciation post

January 5, 2011 by 79 Comments

With the news yesterday of the Miller-Pollard store at University Village closing (and a Microsoft store opening in its place), there’s been a lot of chat on twitter about University Village and the other stores that used to be there.

University Village in 1962 (from the Seattle Municipal Archives; click to view a larger version)

And, as much as I tire of hearing about all the cool things that USED TO BE in this area, I thought I might open up a post so we could remember the good old days of Ernst, Lamonts and the Village Lanes that used to be down the street.

To get things started, here are some of the things that the Ravenna Blog tweeps (“twitter peeps”) have had to say about both the old and the new University Village  (I’m updating it through the day):

  • maggim Miller Pollard was awful enough, now we have to have the blight of a Microsoft store on our precious village? #bahhumbug
  • SarahSchacht Oooh! The drama! Apple & Microsoft Stores to face off, glaring at each other from across the U Village parking lot in Seattle.
  • RavennaBlog I can’t wait for the rumbles in the parking lot a la West Side Story! #MSFTvsAPPL
  • maggim When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way, from your first MacBook Pro to your last iPod day. @sarahschacht
  • NorthESea Yep. I will miss Miller Pollard for sentimental reasons. I remember wandering around that store as a kid.
  • lukobe Oh no! The transformation of University Village is nearly complete…. now all they have to do is get rid of the Ram
  • CamanoCommunity I remember Lamonts. Hell, I remember Rhodes. Geez…
  • SivPrince I still miss Lamonts and Ernest hardware. #olduvillage
  • NorthESea Yes! When I went to Roosevelt HS you used to be able to take bowling, at Village Lanes, as a gym credit. And I’m not that old!
  • arrrmin Yeah, the U-Village bowling alley was where Office Depot is now…and Lamonts department store is where QFC is now!
  • pokano QFC used to be where Restoration Hardware, etc. is. There used to be a wonderful little plant store across from it.
  • pokano @arrrmin No, QFC bought the old Carnation dairy. The old Lamont’s is where Barnes & Noble & Eddie Bauer are now.
Neighborhood: What do you remember about the early days of University Village? Leave your recollections in the comments.
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Happy New Year

January 1, 2011 by 1 Comment

Here’s the light show that you may have missed this morning:

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