The Queen Anne Movie Guild will be screening Brother Towns, a documentary about two towns in different countries linked by immigration, family, and work–the highland Maya town of Jacaltenango, in Guatemala, and the coastal resort town of Jupiter, Florida, where many Jacaltecos have settled, this weekend as part of its monthly Second Saturday film series.
From QAMG:
Brother Towns chronicles a story of how and why people migrate across borders, how people make and remake their communities when they travel thousands of miles from home, and how people maintain families despite their travel. Because we are all immigrants, this is a universal human story, and a quintessential American one. All of us understand family.
Brother Towns is also a story of local and international controversy. News of undocumented immigrants is familiar in nearly every community across the U.S., and citizens must choose how they respond to this issue.
Welcome to Brother Towns, a place where there are no easy answers, but where emotions of every sort abound. Families are like that.
The screening will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at the Queen Anne United Methodist Church, located at 1606 5th Ave W. Moviegoers should use the Fellowship Hall entrance on W Garfield Street.
As always, admission is free, though donations to keep the Second Saturdays film series alive are welcomed.
Refreshments will be provided by the Interbay Peet’s Coffee & Tea and the Queen Anne Top Pot Doughnuts.
It’s that time of year again–Seattle Restaurant Week is bringing some delicious deals to local restaurants around town for ten days this month, from Sunday, April 10 to Thursday, April 14, and Sunday, April 17 to Thursday, April 31.
Over 150 restaurants citywide will be offering three-course dinners for just $28 (sadly excluding weekends), and many will also be dishing up three-course lunches for $15.
Search for participating restaurants by neighborhood or meal, or get menu details and reservation information from the Seattle Restaurant Week website.
The April Queen Anne Community Council meeting was well engaged in transportation matters Wednesday night with two presentations by representatives of SDOT and WSDOT.
SDOT Project Manager Eric Tweit gave an overview of the West Mercer Place alternatives that arose in response to problems some Uptown residents have with the Mercer West Project. He mentioned that this had become an issue because of the concerns of the community regarding increased traffic and the lack of pedestrian and bike crossings. The illustrations of alternative No. 1 and No. 2 can be seen here, No. 3 and No. 4 can be seen here, and Elliot Avenue West left-turn lane extension with the alternatives summary can be seen here.
Tweit said that since SDOT’s West Mercer Place open house they’ve been presenting the alternatives to different community groups and will continue to do so through the end of this month. In May, they will make a recommendation to the mayor who will ultimately decide what improvements, if any, will be included in the Mercer West Project.
He cautioned that the $100 million budget for the Mercer West Project doesn’t include the alternatives that are being considered, and the money for any improvement would add to the budget. This new budget would then be subject to a budget submittal process next fall for the Seattle City Council to approve.
During the question portion, residents of West Mercer Place commented on the lack of crosswalks and the effects the increased traffic has had and will have on West Mercer Place.
“I think that one neighborhood is being impacted and taking the hit on this Mercer Street Corridor,” said Freeburg. “The whole area is being devastated by this plan.”
The effects of the Nickerson Street road diet on traffic through West Mercer Place were also discussed at length. Councilmember Marty Kaplan asked Tweit if it was possible to end the road diet for the sake of alleviating some of the traffic through Lower Queen Anne.
“As far as I know, and from what I’ve heard from my director as well, it’s just paint on Nickerson, and the cost to changing it is a lot less than rebuilding the street,” replied Tweit. “That is and always will be an option … West Mercer Place conditions could play into that.”
Mike Rigsby, a consultant working for the Washington Department of Transportation, was also there to discuss the latest developments of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program. The information presented can be seen via their website.
An update on the Queen Anne Farmers Market was given by Julie Whitehorn after the SDOT presentation, which was concluded with a tense exchange between Whitehorn and councilmember Michael Lapin.
The position of manager for the Queen Anne Farmers Market, held by Whitehorn since 2009, has been uncertain as Whitehorn and Queen Anne Neighbors for Responsible Growth, the parent organization of the market, of which Lapin is a board member, quarrel over financial matters. The dispute between the two sides – QANRG and the Queen Anne Farmers Market Association – was being mediated by the Seattle Office of Economic Development, but negotiations broke down and QANRG is currently looking at another person to manage the market, said Lapin.
“I’m surprised that you came given the fact of all the disarray between OED, Queen Anne Neighbors, and you,” said Lapin, followed by a restrained argument between the two.
Afterwards, Lapin said that he never publicly or privately disparaged anything Whitehorn had done for the market and that she did a great job bringing the farmers market to its current success.
Whitehorn’s Queen Anne Farmers Market update included:
The farmers market ran for 22 weeks last year and grossed $475,000, up 72 percent over the previous year.
In 2010, there were 64 total vendors, up 36 percent.
The market had 30,000 visitors last summer, up 94 percent over the previous year.
They have more farms signed up for this year’s market.
It’s running from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. this summer, rather than closing at 7 p.m., and it’s being held from June 2 to Oct. 6.
Chair Ellen Monrad asked for a volunteer from the board to serve on the Office of Economic Development’s advisory panel regarding the dispute between Whitehorn and the QANRG.
At the end of the meeting, Monrad announced that Queen Anne won the Molly Moon’s contest to be the new locale for the local ice cream shop. The tentative location for the new Molly Moons will be on West Galer Street next to Top Pot donuts, said Monrad.
The Interbay P-Patch will celebrate the start of the Food Bank gardening season on Tuesday (4/12) at the P-Patch at 2451 15th Ave West starting at 5:30p.m.
The public is invited for a little weeding, a little planting and the traditional first kale harvest. They will also be serving up some hot soup. This year thanks to Robert Kolbe, Interbay’s “garden angel,” the P-Patch has a newly rebuilt irrigation system this year.
Every year, Interbay P-Patch donates more than 5,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Ballard Food Bank, Mary’s Place and St. Martin’s on Westlake.
In the event of a government shutdown, Kiro7 is reporting that the Ballard Locks could cease operation.
“The Army Corps of Engineers said it does not know yet for sure, but the possibility exists that no boats would be able to pass through the locks,” according to Kirotv.com. Fisherman Jeff Coyne tells the news station that he knows of three tug boat companies and five salmon processing companies that would be directly affected if the Locks were to close. And of course all the recreational boaters would be affected as well.
A representative from the Corps told Kiro7 that they don’t expect to get official word from the government until the possible shutdown goes into effect, which could happen tomorrow. More information and video from Kiro7 can be found here. A good FAQ on the possible government shutdown can be found here.
Nearly 300 students gathered on Wednesday evening at the Ballard High School gymnasium for the Northwest-Cluster Showcase of Choirs.
Penny sent us the above video and says that each choir sang one or two songs alone and all sang Yonder Come Day together as a combined showcase choir. Participating schools were:
Loyal Heights Elementary
Whitman Middle School
Lawton Elementary
Ballard High School Trebel Choir
Coe Elementary
Ballard HS Men’s Ensemble
Whittier Elementary
Ballard High School Concert Choir
A 13-year-old Queen Anne boy has been missing since yesterday, Wednesday, April 6. Brad George, who lives at the McGraw Residential Center, part of the Seattle Children’s Home, was last on Wednesday at 11:40 a.m. seen near the center, at 10th and McGraw, according to his mother Gina Latshaw.
Brad is 5’1”, 128 pounds, a medium build with blue eyes, dark brown hair and light complexion. He was last seen wearing black shorts, a teal thermal shirt and purple Converse shoes.
Brad is prone to seizures, and takes daily anticonvulsants medication. Without his medication Brad’s caregivers warn that he may become confused or have unusual episodes.
If you have seen Brad, or have any information about his whereabouts, please call Seattle Police at 206-683-8917, or call 911 and reference PD Case Number 11-109938.
Seattle PD Case Number 11-109938
Missing and exploited children 800-843-5678
NCMEC case number 1169430
Want to help in the effort to find Brad? Download the pass out the missing persons flier (.pdf) around your neighborhood.
Update 4/9 12 p.m.: As of last night Brad was still missing. His mother has set up a Facebook page where she is updating with information about sightings and tips on his whereabouts. There are also more pictures to help people recognize him. We’ll be keeping track of any news about Brad, but check the Facebook page for frequent updates.
Update 4/10 10:30 a.m.: Brad was found Saturday in Darrington. He is currently in the hospital with his family awaiting an evaluation. Brad’s family would like to thank everyone who worked to help find him for their support and assistance.
Queen Anne startup Urbandipity launched its website today after a year and a half of preparation.
The recently graduated co-founders Nick Talwar, Ryan O’Donnell, Hajime Furukawa, Emmett Nicholas and Zachary and Dustin Conrad have worked out of an apartment in lower Queen Anne bringing their creation to fruition, working long hours on Saturdays around their other jobs.
The website, an online social catalyst for meeting new people and exploring new places in Seattle, has allowed posts since mid-March, but today the site is fully operational, allowing new users to view the posts of others and contact each other.
See our earlier post on the new startup for a closer look at Urbandipity.
Preserving Seattle’s tree canopy is a goal of the city’s (Mayor Mike McGinn spoke about it here) that can sometimes be controversial. Here’s your chance to make a difference in your neighborhood.
Seattle’s urban forest needs your help! Seattle has a goal to reach 30% canopy cover by 2037, growing from our current 23%. To meet that goal, we need to plant and care for 200,000 net new trees in residential areas; residential areas make up 67% of Seattle. To help meet this goal, we are recruiting Tree Ambassadors who can serve as local neighborhood advocates for our urban trees.
You will work in teams of 2-3 people to develop projects for your neighborhood which could include tree walks, invasive species removal workdays, and/or tree plantings. No previous tree experience necessary, only a desire to learn and a passion for urban greenery. You may apply individually or as a group.
Tree ambassadors are volunteers who, after being trained, work 5-10 hours a month, according to the city.
There’s an individual application here, and a team application here. You can also find them on the city’s Tree Portal page.
Though it’s been rainy this past week, the clouds parted for a few hours this afternoon and it actually looked like spring under the Space Needle. Despite temperatures in the high forties, many passersby strolled and sat in the Center grounds, enjoying the unexpected sunshine.
The Center turned on all of its waterworks on April 1, after closing it throughout the winter as a cost-savings measure. From Seattle Center:
International Fountain is programmed with new music each week, selected by Seattle Center musicologist James Whetzel, often to coincide with events happening on the grounds. For the weekend of April 1st, visitors will hear a mix of Japanese pieces in recognition of Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, April 1 -3, in Center House, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion.
The return of Seattle Center waterworks renews the hope that Mother Nature will soon delivery spring weather. Seattle Center invites the community to come down to the Center to take in the sun, view the spring flowers, listen to the fountain music and partake in all of the weekend festivities. For more information on Seattle Center attractions and events, visit the website at www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.
John Hay’s first-term principal Karen Hanson is hosting a coffee chat from 5 to 6 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, April 6 at the Interbay Starbucks, located at 1613 West Dravus Street, in the back room.
Hanson became John Hay’s new principal after 5-year head Dan Warren was reassigned to the new Sand Point Elementary this academic year. Hanson, who had been a teacher at John Hay for 11 years prior to her appointment, holds regular coffee chats with the community and invites neighbors to bring thoughts, questions, and lively discussion to these meetings.
The Queen Anne Community Council is having its monthly meeting at Queen Anne Manor, located at 100 Crockett Street at the corner of 1st N and Crockett, beginning at 7:15 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, April 6. Here’s a look at what items will top the agenda this month:
7:15 p.m.: Adoption of Agenda, Approval of Minutes, Treasurer’s Report
7:25 p.m.: Open Forum – Comments
7:35 p.m.: Sea Wall and Viaduct update – Amy Turner
7:50 p.m.: West Mercer Place – Eric O’Brien, SDOT
8:45 p.m.: Committee Reports
LURC/Planning – Craig Hanway
Transportation– Glenn Avery
Parks – Don Harper
Communication – Michael Lapin
District Council – Mike Warren
NAC – Kirk Robbins, Jim Smith, Glenn Avery, Don Harper
Social Issues – Kirk Robbins
Police & Crime – Allen Panich
9:25 p.m.: New Business
9:30 p.m.: Adjournment
Several QACC sub-committee meetings and community events will also be happening this month. Keep the following dates on hand for other public meetings throughout April:
Parks Committee: April 12 Queen Anne Manor 7:30 p.m.
LURC/Planning: April 18, Queen Anne Manor 7:00 p.m.
Transportation: April 27, Queen Anne Manor, 7:30 p.m.
NAC: April 20, Port Headquarters, 4:30 p.m.
Thomas Wales Park Dedication – April 16, 10:30 a.m.
Tomorrow, April 6, dozens of restaurants across the region will be participating in Red White Unite, a collective effort between participating restaurants, Junglecity.com, and Suzuki + Chou Communimedia to raise money for the relief effort in Japan. Through Red White Unite a number of restaurants around town and in the neighborhood will be donating 10 percent of their total sales on Wednesday, April 6 to Peace Winds America for disaster relief in Japan. Check out the participating Queen Anne eateries:
On Friday, April 1 defendant James Liddell was sentenced to 57 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and $1,175,518 in restitution for wire fraud by the U.S. District Court in Seattle. Liddell, 57, was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2010 and turned himself in to authorities, pleading guilty to the charges in June 2010. From our sister site Magnolia Voice:
Between 2003 and 2009, Liddell claimed his business was rehabilitating point of sale machines and selling them to a large area drug store chain. Liddell represented to the investors that they would “own a series of contracts” with the machine purchasers. Liddell provided promissory notes to investors outlining high rates of interest on the loans and promising investors would receive up to 50% of the profits from the sales of the machines. However, no machines were ever bought or sold to the Seattle retailer, and there were no contracts for any such sales. Some of the money was used to pay “returns” to earlier investors, but Liddell used $1.2 million for his own benefit.
Prosecutors say Liddell “stole over a million dollars from victims whom he conned into believing he was a friend and experienced business person who could be trusted with their money. Mr. Liddell met many of his victims through contacts in his neighborhood and through school connections with his children. He preyed on his victims by gaining their respect as a friend and neighbor prior to soliciting loans for a business he knew was a total sham. In order to further his scheme, he repeatedly fabricated documents and provided bogus reasons to explain away bounced checks and missed payment deadlines until he found a new victim to supply him with funds needed to pay off his last victim. As a result of his fraud, several victims are facing severe financial hardship including the possibility of bankruptcy.”
Liddell’s wife, Leslie Collins, who was originally implicated in the case last year, was not charged with anything. Liddell wrote a letter to authorities that stated that the two were going through a divorce at the time and that Collins had no idea about his financial activities.
Now here’s an event that I wish I hadn’t missed this last weekend. On Saturday, April 2 over 200 people gathered under the Space Needle at Seattle Center to duke it out for International Pillow Fight Day.
Participants of the event, in the vein of a flash mob, tossed pillows around at friends and strangers, giggling and laughing for the better part of 45 minutes until the crowd dwindled down to just a few die hard pillow wielders.
If you’re like me and missed out on this fun event, you can live vicariously through those who were there and check out the pictures from the great pillow battle at the Seattle event’s Facebook page. Until next year!
The final tallies are in from Zaw’s month-long School Days fundraiser. Queen Anne Elementary took home the grand prize, raising $145 in donations from community members and winning an auction item from Zaw: An Ultimate Pizza Party for up to eight kids.
Between QA Elementary, McClure, John Hay, Coe, and St. Anne’s, a total of $340 was raised for local schools in the month of March through the school days fundraiser program.
Seattle City Light released a statement yesterday urging customers to be wary of telephone con artists posing as utility bill collectors, and advising customers on ways to safeguard against such scams.
In the past week, the utility received at least two reports of phone calls from con artists claiming to be electric utility employees who were ready to disconnect their electricity. The scammers appear to be targeting residents with Asian surnames and similar businesses.
Here’s a rundown of the scam, which has reported several times over the last few years: callers target City Light customers claiming there is a problem with the payment of the customers’ bill. They then ask for a credit card payment over the phone to resolve the matter. According to Seattle City Light, in one instance the caller claimed to work for a different utility.
“If someone asks for your credit card number or Social Security number over the phone, don’t give it to them,” Customer Service Director Kelly Enright said in the statement. “We never demand immediate payment to avoid a shutoff for one late payment or use Social Security numbers as part of our billing process.”
According to City Light, customers who may be behind on their bill and at risk of having the power turned off, will first receive at least two written warnings asking the customer to contact the utility directly to make a payment.
City Light also sent the following reminders to customers:
Seattle City Light accepts credit card payments at a customer’s request, but never demands or solicits credit card information to pay a bill.
Seattle City Light does not call customers on weekends about their utility account.
Seattle City Light employees carry identification with the City Light logo and will always display it when asked.
If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a similar scam, City Light advises you take down the name and telephone number of the caller, and before providing any credit information, call City Light at 684-3000 to first verify that the request is legitimate.
If a customer believes he or she has been contacted by a con artist, they are urged to contact the Seattle Police Department at (206) 625-5011 to report the incident.
“Sadly, there are criminals out there who will try to take advantage of another with the false threat of cutting off their electricity,” Enright said. “Seattle City Light wants to help its customers protect themselves from scam artists and the best way to do that is to be informed.”
The Space Needle, along with a number of other towers around the world, will be lit red when the sun goes down this evening to stand in solidarity with and support Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that hit last month.
Photo of Space Needle in red, white and blue shot from Kerry Park by Joe Rothstein, via Flickr.
“We hope that by lighting our rooftop in red, people will be encouraged to make a donation to the Japanese Consulate’s governmental website, the American Red Cross, or any other credible organization that is providing aid to Japan,” President and CEO of Space Needle LLC Ron Sevart said in a statement. “The people of Japan that have been impacted by this tragedy still need our help.”
According to KING 5, the following buildings will also be going red tonight, Monday, April 4:
CN Tower (Toronto, Canada), John Hancock Observatory (Chicago), Menara KL (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Macau Tower (Macau, China), North Tower (Seoul, Korea), Olympic Tower (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Sky Tower (Auckland, New Zealand), and Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom).
Pottery Northwest will hold an exhibition of new works by several recent artists-in-residence alumnae beginning Saturday, April 9 in their studio just south of the KeyArena. The exhibition, called Flashback, will feature work by John Ellefson, Bill Evans, Jamie Kirkpatrick, Julie Lindell, Stephen Sullivan and Tami Rubin.
The show will run until April 29 in the South Gallery of Pottery Northwest at 226 First Ave. N. A public opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.
From Pottery Northwest:
Founded in 1966 as a non-profits arts organization, Pottery Northwest is a long time and vibrant source of programming in the Seattle arts community. World class professional artist residencies, exhibitions featuring traditional and contemporary work, community classes and an engaging lecture series spanning many years are all features of this fixture at Seattle Center. Artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialog and as a formative step in their professional career.
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It’s that time of year again–
Preserving Seattle’s tree canopy is a goal of the city’s (Mayor Mike McGinn spoke about it 
Tomorrow, April 6, dozens of restaurants across the region will be participating in 
The final tallies are in from 
