How’s the holiday shopping coming? On the Jewish side of the neighborhood, we’ll be lighting the eighth and final candle on the menorah tonight, so the season is more or less by us. In our house, in any case, we seem to have let that whole piece of the holiday slide into neglect: it was Day 6 before Zev remarked “hey, aren’t we supposed to get presents?”

But, should you be part of the vast majority of Wallingfordians with gift-giving days ahead of you, there’s quite a bit going on this next week to make your job easier. Sarah Eckman from Trilogy Chiropractic writes:

Come out to Trilogy Chiropractic’s first ever Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7th from 10am-2pm. We’re located in Stoneway Center at 3933 Stone Way N, right beside the 7-11. We want to make the holidays as easy as possible on you and are gathering some of the best businesses in the Seattle area to come together to provide you great deals to check some gifts off your list! We’ll have holiday deals from all the vendors, mimosas, hot cider, hot cocoa, holiday snacks, and a gift wrapping station! Yes, you heard that right.  Anything you buy in the office, we will gift wrap it for you!

Here’s a list of the incredible businesses that will be

 here: Jack-b-Nimble candleworks, Deep Root Wellness (bath salts), Edge Integrated Massage with sample massages and gift certificates, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Lemongrass Spa, Tastefully Simple, Restoration Artwear with handmade Jewelry, Bambu Organic Salon, American Athlete – a local Greenlake gym, Masa Integrative Clinic, RosaLe with handmade Shea Butters, and It Works Body Wraps!

Everyone will have great deals for you, so come ready to buy and have some fun, we can’t wait to see you all here!

Also, don’t forget that Liz Gamberg will be holding a sale at her studio at 1513 N. 39th (three blocks west of Wallingford Ave) Friday through Sunday.

It’s open house time season for independent schools. With Baby Z no longer a baby, Family Wallyhood has been doing the tour of the local kindergartens. While we live across the street from the John Stanford School, we’re not guaranteed a spot there with the new school districting plan. Plus, JSIS doesn’t even offer tours until February, long after the deadline for applications to the area independent schools. It’s actually been quite a bit of fun checking out the schools and kind of makes me yearn to be a kid again (did you know UCDS has 3D printers and laser cutters?! And Evergreen is building an “Invention Lab” for the kids? I didn’t even have “shop” at my grade school!)

Barb Gordon asked us to let folks know about one local open house happening this Saturday, right across from the Woodland Park Zoo:

Kapka Cooperative K-5 School Hosting Open House for Prospective Families on Saturday, December 7 at 2 pm. 510 N 49th St.

Would you like your child to wake up each morning eager to go to school? Come learn about KapKa’s progressive curriculum, passionate teachers and close-knit community at our Open House, Saturday, December 7 at 2 pm.

With a 25 year history in the Woodland Park neighborhood of Wallingford, KapKa Cooperative K-5 School is a thriving learning community. KapKa is a Klamath word meaning young pine. Like forest soil, our community nurtures KapKa children in building the social, emotional and academic skills to become informed and caring contributors to our wider society. KapKa’s approach is based on small classes and differentiated instruction to challenge all levels of ability. Our theme-based, inquiry-driven curriculum excites children’s natural curiosity. This year, our Inventions theme has students exploring and building their own inventions while developing their literacy, math, design and science knowledge.

Being a cooperative, KapKa is distinct from other schools. At KapKa parents have the opportunity to take an active role in their children’s learning environment. Each family in the KapKa community contributes time and skills that fit their schedule and ability. KapKa kids get to know their classmates’ parents and siblings, and parents get to know all the teachers and Kapka families. The result is a truly nurturing learning community.

“Our daughter is thriving at KapKa. Things we love: small class sizes, top-notch teachers, rich curriculum that encourages investigation and independent thinking, strong community traditions, public service orientation, ample outdoor time, solid literacy and math teaching…“
- a current KapKa parent

Come take a look at KapKa for your family on Saturday December 7 at 2 pm (parents and caregivers only please). Tour the school, meet the teachers and hear the experiences of current parents. For additional information or directions, please visit www.kapkaschool.org or take a glimpse inside KapKa with this video. Need more information? Take a look at some of the parent reviews of KapKa on the Great Schools website.

Two years ago, the Wallingford Community Council and Seattle Public Utilities conducted months of negotiations regarding the rebuild of the North Transfer Station in our neighborhood. As a result, SPU and WCC entered into a detailed contract governing a wide range of issues concerning the construction and operation of the new facility. In an unprecedented process, the contract was not only signed by SPU, but was specifically approved by the City Council.

The contract requires that SPU investigate and analyze a wide range of topics, and then report to and consult with the WCC.  SPU has some of its analyses ready to share with WCC and the community on subjects relating to the control of particulate matter, odors and noise. SPU has requested a meeting with WCC this Wednesday.

WCC will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:00 PM at the Good Shepherd Center. Everyone is welcome.

In addition to the Transfer Station update, WCC will consider ongoing land use issues in our community.

In the age of Netflix, iTunes and the cleverly named “Amazon Instant Video”, when Blockbuster Video has gone bust, is it any wonder that the video brick-and-mortar icon Scarecrow Video should be up on the ropes?

Sort of. I mean, there are about ten bazillion videos out there, and Scarecrow carries about 120,000 of them. By contrast, iTunes has about 3,500.

But, on the ropes it is. Rentals are down 40%, and, according to KOMO, “store officials say this holiday season could be make-or-break for the business.”

But according to Kate Barr from Scarecrow, this grim news has been overshadowing on important fact:

Scarecrow is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this December!!

We’re setting aside our current worries and pulling out all the stops for a weekend long celebration starting Friday, December 6th and ending Sunday, December 8th.

In the midst of our struggle to keep this Seattle landmark around, we invite one and all to join us in celebrating all of our achievements in the last 25 years – and our continued hope for another 25 years to come.

Scarecrow’s press release gives some background on the film mecca:

On December 9, 1988 (promptly at noon) Scarecrow Video was born with one simple mission:  unite people with film. Containing an inventory of 600 titles procured by George Latsios, the original Latona store location was but a ripple in the lake that would become Scarecrow.  Seven customers signed up that day (four of whom we’re pleased to still have with us), 18 titles were rented, and the store’s first $38.98 was made.  George, along with his wife Rebecca, continued to aggressively expand the rental inventory, as well as their staff.  In November of 1994, Scarecrow was forced to look for a larger house to accommodate its then 18,000 titles, and moved down the street to its current location at 5030 Roosevelt Way.  In 1997, Scarecrow became one of the first video stores in Seattle to add a major DVD section reinforcing its ethos to evolve in the new directions of cinema.  In 1999, as a result of financial and health concerns, George and Rebecca transferred ownership of Scarecrow to Carl Tostevin and John Dauphiny, two long-time customers and avid movie lovers, with their promise to maintain its mission, and the next chapter in Scarecrow’s history began.

The last fifteen years have seen many more changes at Scarecrow.  In late 2006, Blu-rays were introduced.  Co-owner John Dauphiny exited and Carl’s wife, Mickey McDonough, entered.  The inventory continues to grow and is now at an astounding 120,000 titles, a collection unmatched anywhere in the world.  In addition to rentals, Scarecrow offers one of the largest browsing selections of DVDs and Blu-rays for sale in Seattle including unusual, rare and hard to find titles.  2011 saw the expansion of the Scarecrow experience by adding a coffee kiosk to encourage customers to stay awhile and, in 2012, a Screening Room was built to offer a larger space for customers to sample our impressive collection and connect film-lovers with each other.  After 25 years of hard work weathering the ups and downs and always staying true to our mission of bringing people and film together, we have a lot to celebrate!

The weekend of festivities will commence on Friday, December 6^th and will include:

• Big sales on New & Used titles including:
  • 50% off all used items
  • $1.00 VHS and Laserdiscs
  • $3.00 off all Criterion titles
  • Mark downs on select box sets and out of print titles
  • $35 punchcards
• Raffles & giveaways
• Scavenger hunts
• On-going screenings of George’s, Rebecca’s and Carl & Mickey’s all-time favorite movies

Come celebrate with us! What was the first film you ever rented at Scarecrow? Come and tell us, and share your favorite Scarecrow memories. Haven’t heard of Scarecrow or been in yet? Come discover us for the first time! Long-time or new, young or old, come be a part of the beginning of the future of this world famous, one-of-a-kind film experience that can only be found here in Seattle.

“[Scarecrow is] like this last great bastion of everything ever made.”
- John Jacobson, co-founder of The Film School – KOMOnews.com

“Back in the days when I was involved with Microsoft Cinemania, I discovered Scarecrow and was amazed by its selection and the knowledge and passion of the staff. They don’t settle for putting a display of the latest big hit inside the door, but attract the curious, the adventurous and the obsessed movie buffs. The store is not only a resource, but a social center, where you can discover you are not the only person who loves Ozu, or Guy Maddin.”
- Roger Ebert – quoted in a Seattle Times article (11/07/04)

Stop in. Do it for Roger!

(Scarecrow Video is a Wallyhood sponsor. Photo of Scarecrow aisle by Leigh Kelsey. Photo of David Lynch at Scarecrow by Michelle Hudson)

Murder victim Jowanna Gooden. Photo courtesy of KOMO news.

Back in October, we reported the sad story of 26-year-old Jowanna Gooden’s body being found along the Burke-Gilman trail. Last week, Seattle Police Department detectives arrested the suspected murderer, 32-year-old Renton resident Uriel “Duane” Boyd. He was in part tracked down because he answered a cell phone call from the 4000 block of Bagley Avenue on the night of the murder.

SPD reports that Jowanna’s murder was not random and that they believe she knew her killer.

Boyd was booked on murder charges as well as drug charges. He has been previously convicted of drug offences as well as burglary, driving with a suspended license, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to a KOMO news interview with Gooden’s sister, LaQuanna Cooper, Gooden had almost completed her Associate of Arts degree. She was family-oriented, fun and loving with a “wonderful personality and genuine heart.”

We extend the neighborhood’s sympathies to Gooden’s family and hope that Boyd’s arrest brings them some small measure of comfort.

Perhaps a day late and a dollar short for the late Wallingford Pizza House, the Iron Bull (2121 N 45th St) is marking the visit of the Chicago Bears to Seattle by asking the burning question: “Who makes the best Chicago style pizza in Seattle?”

Gerald writes:

You be the judge!

On December 3rd at 7 pm, the Iron Bull will host a Chicago Style Pizza bake off, featuring the pizza chefs from Benitos in Ballard, Delfino’s in Seattle and who ever else wants to compete (suggestions are welcome). For a suggested donation of $10, you will get to sample each pizza and enjoy a pint along with it. Vote for your favorite, then come back for the Bears game on December 8 to see who is awarded the trophy during halftime!

What could be better than Chicago pizza and beer? How about knowing that your donation is going to help the Lifelong Aids Alliance? The lovely and talented Tamara, your Bears bartender, runs the Lifelong Aids Alliance Thrift Shop when she isn’t serving you beer. All donations to the bake-off will be donated to that cause. You can even get a receipt for your taxes!

Sorry, but the WSLCB won’t allow anyone under 21 to attend, but everyone else is very welcome to come try the best damn pizza in town and pick the winner. Hell, you don’t even gotta be from Chicago. Long as you like good food, a fun time and don’t mind supporting a good cause you are invited.
We also have a drop box for donations to the folks that suffered damage from the tornados over the weekend in the midwest.

Nancy Chambers of the Wallingford Community Council writes:

Wallingford CC has submitted a November letter to the Seattle City Council concerning excessive combined sewer outflow into Lake Union from outlet pipe #147 at bottom of Stone Way. Some highlights: Fecal coliform counts during overflow events have, at times, exceeded 1,000 times the quality standard. Ammonia & cyanide samples have also shown elevated levels. Though only one overflow event per year is officially permitted by a federal permit process, CSO #147 averages 45 outflows / year.  Each stormwater event averages ~12 hours, resulting in more than 18 million gallons of sewage overflow annually.

From:  G. Lee Raaen,  President, Wallingford Community Council
To:      Seattle City Councilmembers
Re:      Lake Union Outflow Contamination

Dear Councilmembers:

I am writing to you on behalf of the Wallingford Community Council regarding a significant health and environmental issue affecting not only our neighborhood, but areas to our west and beyond.

Of significant and increasing concern in our community is the annual average overflow of 18,000,000 gallons of combined sewage(storm water, grey water and raw sewage) from the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) #147 Outfall into Lake Union located at the south end of Stone Way N.  The overflows occur an average of about 46 times a year (the legal limit is once/year) mostly during rainfalls in the fall, winter and spring but occasionally in the summer. The source of flow into CSO #147 is from the subbasins 147A and B which drain the area located between Ashworth Ave. N. and Aurora Ave. N. and from 45^th St. to Lake Union.  The drainage area in the north part of the subbasins extends from Bagley Ave. N. to Fremont Ave N. Fecal coliform counts  done during overflow events have, at times, exceeded >1000 times what water quality standards permit.Ammonia and cyanide samples have also shown elevated levels.

Needless to say this situation raises serious health concerns. It takes sewage contamination levels 48 hours to normalize after an overflow event due to the slow flow of lake water to the west. Taking this into account the Lake Union water extending from CSO #147 outfall pipe would be contaminated for about 100 days each year. The CSO #174 at the south end of the Fremont area also has significant sewage overflows.

As you are aware, the City of Seattle in conjunction with King County has developed the Long Term Control Plan which requires that capital improvements be made that will eliminate the overflow of storm water, grey water and raw sewage into our public waterways including Lake Union. The period from 2025 to 2030 has been set as a target date to complete all the construction projects that will resolve this problem. The Long Term Control Plan requires that this overflow problem be fixed within 12 or 17 years, but the CSO #147 problem, according to SPU sources, may not be fixed for 10 years or more.

This raises questions about the rapid development that is occurring in the subbasin areas 147A and B which includes the western part of Wallingford and the eastern part of Fremont. Building permits for large residential projects are regularly being approved for the Stone Way corridor and surrounding areas. This will significantly increase the flow of grey water and raw sewage that will overflow through the CSO #147 Outfall on rainy days. It appears that the problem of the contamination of Lake Union is going to get significantly worse before any scheduled improvements to the system.

We would appreciate your thoughts regarding the following questions:

1. High density construction is of value, but should the permitting of large residential projects take into consideration the potential overflow impacts to our public waterways in the affected subbasins?
2. Should further development be restricted or conditioned to avoid an increase in outflow contamination until the Control Plan can be implemented to accommodate its impacts?
3. Should the storm water detention vaults in planned new buildings and other Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) efforts be maximized to limit stormwater drainage into our sewers?

Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.

Sincerely,
G. Lee Raaen, President
Wallingford Community Council