Wallingford, Seattle

Deborah Spenser writes: Wallingford has an amazing, all volunteer-run thrift shop that benefits needy kids in our community. You may have walked by the Assistance League of Seattle's shop on 45th, between Interlake and Woodlawn, or you may be a regular visitor. What you may not know is that the ALS has a wealth of brilliant, sparkling, unusual, treasure that will be offered for sale this week. There will be exceptional crystal, china, and objets d'art, as well as finer clothing and designer pieces at the Glitter…

I was having lunch at Pinky's BBQ this afternoon as three SPD cruisers screamed west down 45th Street. Now I know why. According to the this story in The Seattle Times, Seattle police was called to the 4400 block of Woodlawn Avenue North around 3 p.m with a reporting of carjacking. "Witnesses told officers that the suspect struck the woman with her own car, according to the police department. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries," the Times…

In September, we finally got a break in the long string of broad-daylight porch robberies, and now maybe we got a small break in the long string of car prowls. But it's a good news / bad news situation: the good news is, police have arrested a long-operating, serial car prowl gang. The bad news: more astounding incompetence and neglect on the part of the Seattle Police Department. The story, as reported by Dan Westneat of the Seattle Times, goes something…

Cheap thrills! Wow the kids! Amaze the adults! Boggle the trippers! Pop in Artist and Craftsman Supply (4350 8th Ave NE) and head to the back for a free black light display. Perfect rainy day activity for the kids.   (Thanks for the tip, Calmar!)

Spotted this guy tucked in a corner of the parking lot next to Wine World on 4th Ave NE. That's James of WildWillis selling wild mushrooms foraged by his father (and other foragers) on the Olympic Peninsula. When I passed by Friday night, he had a mix of chanterelle, black trumpet, matsutake, cauliflower, lobster and other varieties on hand. WildWillis will be in that spot Thursdays to Sundays, 10 am - 8 pm through Christmas. On a related note, it's mushroom season in…