Yesterday, Wednesday, February 17, Parks Superintendent Timothy Gallagher announced that he would go ahead with a ban on smoking in all public parks in the city, despite disagreement from the Board of Park Commissioners.
According to Gallagher, the decision was centered around public health, citing the dangers of second hand smoke. Under the new smoking ban, which will go into effect on Thursday, April 1, violators could be banned from city parks for anywhere from one day for first-time offenders, to up to a year. Enforcement will be handled on a complaint basis.
Though many agree with Gallagher’s notion of protecting against second hand smoke, especially in public areas where there are often children, others say this latest smoking ban is severely limiting where they can smoke. See KING5′s video below for more.
What do you think Queen Anne? Are you for or against the smoking ban in public parks?
One of our readers, Bruce Wilson, posted this picture (taken from Big Howe on the top of the hill) on our Facebook page, and we liked it so much, we thought we’d share!
Here’s to a beautiful evening sky over Queen Anne!
If you noticed black clouds billowing into the air this morning, you were probably seeing the smoke from a small pleasure boat that went up in flames along the Ship Canal.
Fire crews were called to 3756 W Commodore Way, on the Magnolia side of the Ship Canal just before 10 o’clock this morning.
Silver posted updates in the forum and says, “The landscape down there is so convoluted that crews are having a tough time figuring out how to reach the fire.”
Thank you MagnoliaVoice.com reader Steven for sending in these pictures!
It may not come as much of a surprise that the Seattle Police Department’s year-end crime stats, released this week, show a slight rise in crime in 2009 when compared to 2008; back in December the FBI released national crime stats that uncovered the same upswing trend here in Seattle.
Based on SPD data, violent crimes went up 12 percent in 2009 from 2008, while property crimes rose 7 percent. Although this may seem like a significant increase, the FBI report comparing violent crimes in the first halves of both 2008 and 2009 in Seattle, indicated a much larger increase of 22 percent (I don’t know about you, but 12 percent seems like a relief compared!)
Though these numbers may be startling, to give some perspective, SPD also compared the 2009 stats to all of the final major crime numbers over the last decade. SPD wrote on their website,
One final note on the 2009 Major Crime trends is apparent when they are viewed not only in comparison with 2008, but also in light of the trends over a period of years. The table below presents a ten-year picture of Major Crimes in Seattle. In the last two rows, the ten-year average for each crime category is shown as well as the comparison of the 2009 figures to this average.
As the table demonstrates, the Major Crime totals for 2009 are below the ten-year averages in all crimes, except robbery.
So there you have it. Though the stats show assaults, larceny and burglary are also up compared to 2008, robbery is the only crime that has risen above average over the last ten years. Read more on recent and past SPD crime statistics here and here.
Pottery Northwest is hosting an opening night reception on Friday, February 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate a new gallery space and its first exhibit, Ikebana Y, otherwise known as the art of Japanese flower arrangements.
The arrangements will be made by guest artist and master teacher of the Sogetsu School in Woodinville, Nobuko Relnick. Containers have been provided by invited guests and Pottery NW’s artists-in-residence.
In addition to the opening reception on Friday, Relnick will be hosting a gallery talk and Ikebana workshop at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 20 (limited to ten people, $30 each). The Ikebana Y exhibit will continue through Thursday, March 4.
The Puget Sound Blood Center has stationed two “bloodmobiles” in Queen Anne today. Anyone interested in donating blood should head to either 1500 Dexter Ave N, or 2901 3rd Ave 200 (right across from the Pacific Science Center) between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. Note that both locations will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for lunch. Can’t make it today? Search for other dates and locations near you and make an appointment in advance here.
Are you an artist? Designer? Clothing maker? Urban Craft Uprising, the largest indie craft gathering in the Pacific Northwest, is looking for vendors for its summer show. Whatever you craft, you could be exactly what they’re looking for!
The summer show will be held on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. In the past vendors have brought everything from homemade candles to baby clothes, jewelry and specialty food. Because the Urban Craft Uprising is a juried show, anyone interested in being a vendor must apply by Monday, April 5. Application information here.
Want to find out more? Check the Uprising FAQs before applying. See pictures from the last Urban Craft Uprising in December.
Last month neighborhood Italian restaurant Sorrentino had a Sicilian makeover, reopening as Enza, after namesake, owner and chef Enza Sorrentino. Previously only open for dinner service, as of Valentine’s Day, Enza Cucinia Siciliana expanded its hours (they’re now open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) to accommodate their new in-house Mediterranean creperie.
Enza will offer “authentic Mediterranean crepes” in both the sweet and savory variety from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and have brought in “crepemaster” Lorenzo Baldacci, former owner of a hotel in Corsica and a creperie in Los Angeles, to run the operation. Itching to try one? Check out their savory and sweet crepe menu.
Although graffiti has not been as big of an issue in Queen Anne in the past as it has in some neighborhoods, the vandalism of Counterbalance Park last week rattled many in the community. It was one of the largest acts of vandalism the hill has seen since the mural at the Dexter Ave underpass was graffitied last year. And since then several other tags have popped up around the neighborhood.
We have started working on a collaborative project with the Seattle Times and its news partners, on how graffiti has impacted different neighborhoods around the city. Although we’re not yet sure what shape this project will take, we thought we’d start by posing some questions to the neighborhood: What are your thoughts on graffiti in Queen Anne? Have you noticed any particular areas where vandalism is often targeted? Have you noticed if incidences of graffiti have increased or decreased in the area? Do you see graffiti as a growing concern? What do you think can or should be done to stop taggers? Post your thoughts in the comments below or email us at tips@queenanneview.com.
For those of you who have perused the Seattle Weekly website over the last few days, you may have noticed a new feature pictorially highlighting the scenes and sights of Upper Queen Anne. Photographer Jenny Jimenez put together a 15-image photo essay while walking up and down Queen Anne Ave N last week. Take a look at what she saw here.
The Queen Anne Elementary Design Team has been tasked with the job of heading up the academic programming of the new option school in Queen Anne, formerly known as Old Hay.
In order to clarify some data, the design team has sent out a survey regarding QA Elementary programming that will begin at the new school, which will open in the Lincoln building for the 2010/2011 school year, moving to the Queen Anne building in 2011. They ask parents and community members invested in the development of the new school to take the quick survey online here.
One of our readers reported a number of smashed windshields on the south side of the hill this morning and is wondering if anyone has any more information. Michael wrote,
I noticed on my morning walk today that somebody had smashed the windshields of 2 Jaguar cars on Highland Avenue between 5th and 6th Ave. Later I saw the same thing on an Acura down the street on West Prospect between 5th and 6th. All three cars were parked on the street and I saw the owners of the Jaguars, so I think it happened last night. I’m just wondering if any others were reported or if anybody saw anything that might help catch these guys??? I’ve recently moved a few blocks away and wonder if I should be concerned about where I park…
No one else has reported anything to us, and nothing has yet come up on the SPD Blotter. If you have any more information, please comment below.
The other day I came across WalkScore.com, which rates the walkability of 2,508 neighborhoods in the largest 40 U.S. cities. Countrywide, Seattle ranks 6th after San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Based on number of criteria including the existence of a neighborhood center, density, mixed-use/mixed-income housing, proximity to public parks, spaces, schools and workplaces, pedestrian-centric design, accessibility, connectedness and comfort, WalkScore.com also broke down the city’s walkability neighborhood by neighborhood.
Type in an address and the site lists all of the amenities, including buses, schools, restaurants, parks, coffee shops, movie theaters, libraries, bars –– you name it –– within a few miles of your home. Distances are included and the scoring of each is based on proximity (after one mile, points begin to decline). Participants can also double-check the rankings by submitting amenities for addition or removal from the list.
Out of a 100-point scoring system, Lower Queen Anne came in 9th with 93 points and Queen Anne hill ranked 20th with 81 points. Seattle’s citywide average score is 77. When I typed in my address, halfway up Queen Anne Ave N between Uptown and the top of the hill, I was happy to see my steep-inclined home garnered an even higher score: 97 points – “Walkers’ Paradise”!
The top five high ranking neighborhoods in Seattle are Pioneer Square, Downtown, First Hill, Belltown and Roosevelt. Check out the breakdown here. Search by your own neighborhood or address here and see how your hood stacks up!
It’s Presidents Day which means schools, post offices, government offices and some liquor stores are closed (except the Queen Anne store and these (.pdf) others, which are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Most banks are also taking the holiday and parking on city streets is free. Transfer stations are open though, and Metro is also running on their “When no UW” schedule.
Happy Valentine’s Day Queen Anne! There are many reasons why I love Queen Anne – two vibrant neighborhoods in Uptown and on the top of the hill, our lovely parks, the Queen Anne Farmers Market, great local businesses, beautiful views…it’s a great neighborhood! Whether you’re out and about, or having a nice day at home today, I hope you take a few moments to reflect on why you love Queen Anne. And now, a love note to the neighborhood, from our friends at Picture Perfect Queen Anne.
Valentines Day: A Queen Anne Love Note
Looking for the perfect way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day?
Picture Perfect QA has just the thing. You can say “I Love You” over and over again with a paver inscription dedicated to your romance. You’ll score mega points with your sweetheart. You’ll also be sending a love note to Queen Anne.
30 pavers will be placed at the just completed Galer Gateway near the 5 Spot on Queen Anne Avenue this spring. It’s part of a fundraiser to complete landscaping for the big pedestrian and traffic improvements recently installed on Queen Anne Ave. at Galer and McGraw Streets. For $250 you get four lines on your own paver; for $100 you get one line on a shared paver.
A little late at arranging your Valentine’s Day plans this year? Here are a couple things going on in and around the neighborhood for the annual day of roses, chocolate and romance.
With the Kids: If you’re spending this Valentine’s Day with the whole family, swing by Queen Anne Books at 2 p.m for story time with local author Nancy White Carlstrom and the second annual “Kids [Heart] Books” event. Carlstrom will be reading from some of her books, including the popular “Jesse Bear” series, “It’s Your First Day of School, Annie Claire” and “Mama, Will it Snow Tonight?” They’ll be treats and homemade Valentine’s crafting for the kids.
Romantic Evening In: Swing by Eat Local for their VDay special – prepared dinner for two and a bottle of Malbec for $19.98.
Romantic Evening Out: If you’re looking for a post-dinner activity, go check out guitarist, composer and Queen Anne resident Andre Feriante’s performance at Benaroya Hall tonight. For the past 12 years Feriante and the Troupe de Ville have been performing their famed neo-flamenco sound for Valentine’s Day concerts at Benaroya Hall.
This year Troupe de Ville joins Feriante for an extraordinary evening of soulful and seductive harmonies certain to ring in the romance of Valentine’s Day. Feriante will perform a musical mix of fiery flamenco, classical guitar standards and spoken poetry set to his original compositions in the style of Neruda and Rumi; followed by a series of romantic favorites performed in the classical and jazz styles and a special tribute to his legendary mentor, Andres Segovia. Troupe de Ville also joins Feriante on stage for an improvisational set sure to dazzle with the exquisite musicianship of all six members.
Tickets are still available, at $40 each. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight. Details and ticket information here.
Know of any other special Valentine’s Day events going on in the neighborhood? Comment below!
One of our readers, broncobilly, sent in this picture of a rainbow over downtown and Queen Anne taken yesterday, Friday, February 12, from the Bainbridge Island ferry.
Today, Saturday, February 13 is the “Not-Quite-Valentine’s Day” Scavenger Hunt and Roller Race at Counterbalance Park, at the corner of Queen Anne Ave N and Roy St. – A perfect day to test your messenger cycling skills!
Racers are encouraged to dress up in costume and put their city cycling skills to the test for two very different races. The Alley Cat scavenger hunt will start at Counterbalance Park at noon, and end at The Funhouse at Seattle Center at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m. at The Funhouse, riders will hoist their bikes on rollers used for training, and run the stationary GoldSprints roller races.
Cost to participate is $15 for both races, or $7 for GoldSprints only (The GoldSprints part is a 21+ over event). Prizes include beer, and a bike donated by co-sponsor Kona Bikes, that will be raffled off at The Funhouse.
Feel like participating? Grab your bike and go! More information here. And if you see cyclists roaming around the city in costume today, at least you know why!
If you love animals and are looking for a job where you can work with them as well, then All the Best Pet Care might be a good place to start! The local pet store chain has locations all around down, but they’re looking for full-time help in their Queen Anne and East Madison stores. The QA store is located at 2127 Queen Anne Ave N.
Starting pay is $9 to $11/hr with sales bonuses, paid vacation, great employee discounts, health insurance and opportunity for advancement. Starting shifts go to 7pm weekdays and will include at least one weekend day. Job requirements are:
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Romantic Evening Out: If you’re looking for a post-dinner activity, go check out guitarist, composer and Queen Anne resident 
Today, Saturday, February 13 is the “Not-Quite-Valentine’s Day” Scavenger Hunt and Roller Race at Counterbalance Park, at the corner of Queen Anne Ave N and Roy St. – A perfect day to test your messenger cycling skills!