PI

Tableau Software, the analytics software juggernaut based in Fremont, has earmarked $85,000 in grant money for non-profits based in the Wallingford / Fremont area, with few restrictions, and the application period is open. Their granting guidelines web page states simply: The Tableau Foundation Community Grants program does not have strict funding parameters. Our priorities are determined by the communities, and the organizations that serve the communities we work in. Grant requests can be as small as a few hundred dollars or…

Many of you will remember the work being done on the Aurora Bridge last year.  Lead-based paint was removed from the bridge deck with extensive containment procedures around the bridge.  It was of some level of concern for many residents including the southernmost residents of Wallyhood.  For the few regular bike and pedestrian commuters over the bridge, it was a hassle.  I am one of those of bicycle commuters over the bridge, and I was surprised to hear it was only Phase…

As we swing into summer, we enter the time of maximum community events and cultural happenings.  This weekend includes the Solstice Parade in Fremont and the Rock N Roll Marathon covering most of downtown and South Lake Union. The Solstice Parade is the annual event in Fremont celebrating the start of summer at 1pm this Saturday.  They have  changed the start time this year to 1pm, and I have been somewhat amazed at the ripple effects on other events.  So even…

  City Council candidate Pat Murakami will be at Acadia in Wallingford this Friday, June 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  Murakami says she wants to be a strong voice for the neighborhoods in City Hall and make developers pay impact fees that could go towards schools, transportation, parks and fire/safety.  For more information on this candidate for City Council, please visit her website at http://www.votepatmurakami.org/.   Murakami is running for City Council position 9, an “at large” (citywide) seat.  Position 9…

Seattle Night Out, the city-wide block party, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1 this year: streets all over Wallingford (and beyond!) will be blocked off and turned into sprawling cook-outs, parks and playgrounds. So, maybe in years past, your street has put together a potluck, enjoyed each other's company and had a decent time. Kids were rolling back and forth in their Big Wheels, throwing marshmallows and generally getting heady drunk on staying out late. But this year, maybe you want to…

Most anyone who lives in Wallingford has surely been to the Blue Star Café & Pub, known for its extensive daily breakfast menu, casual dining atmosphere, and awesome rotating beer selection. Over the years, many regular neighborhood customers have had the pleasure of getting to know the man behind the breakfast: Leon Torrey. Back in November, Leon lost his nine-month battle with prostate cancer and passed away just before Thanksgiving. On a quiet Sunday evening in early December, the restaurant closed…

In the wake of the sudden closing of the Guild 45th, The Iron Bull made an announcement on their Facebook page Thursday morning on the status of the bar, indicating that they still plan to reopen their establishment at some point.  "To our friends, family, and fans: Now that Guild 45th has closed for renovations there's been even more speculation about the fate of our little corner of Wallyhood Paradise. We want to take this moment to give you a clear reassurance;…