There have been so many heartening stories coming out of this crisis. Globally, we’ve seen the introduction of the “balcony party”, which I hope will stay “a thing” after the quarantines have passed. Here in Wallingford, people like Kenn Herman are working on 3-D printed face masks for healthcare workers. Parents (and grandparents) are putting teddy bears in windows for kids out for isolated walks to count. Pet owners are rallying around local businesses like Wally Pets to ensure the businesses and their staff remain healthy. And businesses that are not able to operate traditionally, like Commune Yoga, are finding…

I was comfortably reading the Super Tuesday results in my jammies and slippers this morning when I heard a crash and, looking out the window, saw the electrical and Internet wires bouncing like a high-school “wave” science experiment.

I ran out the front door and saw an eighteen-wheeler making its way quickly down our narrow stretch of 4th Ave NE, making its get-away towards NE 40th Street. Glancing back at the electrical pole, I saw that it had apparently taken a tight turn and overestimated its clearance.

My wife, son and I all ran down the street to make sure …

The two-plus year sojourn of the Nickelsville homeless encampment on the City Light-owned lot at 3814 4th Ave NE is coming to end shortly.
March 31st is the day that the city permit authorizing the village officially expires and that the Nickelsville-led residents have agreed to vacate. After briefly pushing for March 21st (the first day of Spring, and thus probably-not-coincidentally the first day they could sweep the village without breaking the “No Winter Evictions” line), the City agreed to the later date in exchange for a written promise from Nickelsville and residents to peacefully vacate on the 31st. (Can…

 

Late last year, a group of neighborhood volunteers announced the formation of the Friends of Meridian Park (FOMP), an officially sanctioned “Friends of” of the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. They’ve been meeting and pulling together a set of recommendations and are hoping to get some public input on priorities. Would you mind taking this short, five question survey for them?

Take the Survey

From what I can tell, the big challenge with Meridian Park is the same one facing open spaces around Seattle: a growing homeless population, many of whom have mental and substance abuse problems, with nowhere to …

Just shy of its sixth Birthday, The Octopus Bar (2109 N 45th St) will lock up for the last time at the little Jules Verne-themed building they carved out of the old Wallingford Pizza House building on 45th Street. Fortunately, while they’re losing their lease on the building, they’re planning to take their theme just down the block to the old Iron Bull building on the corner of 45th and Bagley.

This came as a surprise to me. Last I spoke with co-owner Liza Danger, the plan was to continue to operate The Octopus in its present location, and to …

Gift-giving holidays are right around the corner, so you’re probably wondering what all to get your loved ones, your friends, and those you feel socially obligated to. Fortunately, there are also a number of opportunities to “shop local” here in Wallingford:

The Alliance Française de Seattle hosts Seattle’s only French-inspired Christmas market each year. Since 2010, local vendors have filled the Good Shepherd Center’s Chapel space to sell their handmade jewelry, clothing, home decor, Christmas decorations, baked goods, and more!

Join us again this year, on Saturday, December 9th, from 10am-2pm, on the 4th floor of the Good Shepherd Center …

An anonymous contributor wrote:

Hi just thought your readers might want to know animal control officers are actively ticketing for off leash violations at Wallingford Park today, and say they are going to step up their presence there due to complaints about off-leash dogs.

Said anonymous contributor contributed said anonymous tip earlier this week, so it’s no longer today, but still worth being aware of.

I was curious what about the fine for getting caught playing catch with your dog in the park, so I checked with Seattle Animal Shelter Fees & Fines page, where I found a few eyebrow-raisers:…