Sunday, September 30, 2007

Help Clean Up Capitol Hill Oct 13th

Seattle, WA – September, 26 2007 – Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce Announces the Fall Capitol Hill Street Sweep to take place on Saturday October 13, 2007

-- The Capitol Hill Street Sweep is a community clean-up by volunteers and CHCC members. The quarterly sweep will entail graffiti removal, removing outdated posters from light poles, sweeping up litter and window cleaning. The Jump Start Event kicked off the overall improvement of Broadway one year ago. This fall’s Sweep will expand the cleaning to the Pike/Pine corridor starting South of Cal Anderson park at 12th avenue and continuing West down Pike and Pine until 12pm. The CHCC would eventually like to include all of Capitol Hill’s business districts in future sweeps. Join with our community volunteers and Capitol Hill merchants to sweep the sidewalks and clean Capitol Hill’s storefronts. Pre-registration is not required to volunteer.

“The Capitol Hill Chamber’s Street Sweep will be a great opportunity for neighbors and business owners to enjoy a morning of cleaning up Capitol Hill while having some fun and good food too. Just like the Clean Sweep and Jump Start events, everyone contributes to the improvement and vibrancy of Capitol Hill by volunteering a few hours.” – Denise Harnly, Associate Director, Seattle Neighborhood Group

WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2007 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Cal Anderson Park shelter house, 1635 11th Ave.
WHAT: Welcome by special guests
Volunteers receive a Free t-shirt, coffee and pastries from Starbucks, and cleaning supplies

Start Sweeping: 9:30 AM
Finish: 12:00 PM, Cal Anderson Park
Reconvene for FREE lunch provided by Pagliacci Pizza and surprise entertainment.

From http://www.caphillchamber.org

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Seattle is fifth-best U.S. city for walking

"Seattle has been named No. 5 in Prevention magazine's top 100 walking cities.

The magazine cited cities that had safe streets, beautiful places to walk, mild weather and good air quality."

From the Puget Sound Business Journal

Pictures & Videos from AIDS Walk 2007

LLAA AIDS Walk 2007 Seattle, Wa
Thanks to everyone who contributed I helped raise almost a $1000 dollars


LLAA AIDS Walk 2007 Seattle, Wa







Walking Down Broadway

Almost To The Finish Line

Finish Line

Friday, September 28, 2007

Support Proposition 1

Support Proposition 1 on Nov 9th.
Proposition 1 is an 18 billion dollar transit project that will add 50 miles of light rail to connect Bellevue, Redmond’s Overlake area, Mercer Island, Northgate, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood,Alderwood, the 164th Street/Ash Way area, Des Moines, Federal Way and Tacoma. It will add 12,000 park and rides, and even replace the 520 bridge.

It is not a perfect plan but it is a good step forward for our aging transit system.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Italian Festival this Saturday & Sunday



This weekend it's a celebration of all things Italian

Festivities Include:
Good ol fashion grape stomp
Bocce Tournament
Italian Classic Vehicle show
Italian Film Festival
Arts & Craft show

More information can be found here

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Seattle Receives Harvard Award for Leadership on Climate Protection

SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels has accepted the prestigious 2007 Innovations in American Government Award for the city’s work to reduce global warming pollution in Seattle and across the country.

The mayor received the award at a ceremony last night in Washington, D.C. The award is sponsored by The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The award recognizes Seattle as an exemplary model of innovative government programming for its groundbreaking work in halting the impact of global warming. The city will receive a $100,000 grant to further share its best practices with jurisdictions nationwide.

The award follows the successful launch last weekend of Seattle Climate Action Now (www.seattlecan.org) - a grassroots campaign to encourage everyone in Seattle to take steps today to reduce carbon emissions that are causing global warming.

In November, Seattle will host a summit of mayors from across the nation to help spur local action to prevent the dangerous and disruptive effects of global warming. Former President Bill Clinton and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses at the summit.

Nickels launched the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, challenging mayors across the country to join with Seattle in pledging to reduce carbon emissions 7 percent below 1990. Today, 681 cities have signed the agreement, representing 74 million Americans who live in communities that have decided to make a difference for the future of our planet.

From a Seattle Press Release

Bachleor Auction to benefit the LLAA AIDS Walk


Reminder
AIDS Walk
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Volunteer Park
14th & Prospect
Capitol Hill

Sponsor Me on the AIDS Walk


Friday, September 21, 2007

Mayor Launches Seattle Climate Action Now

Seattle Press Release

Seattle Climate Action Now is
a grassroots campaign to encourage everyone in Seattle to reduce global warming pollution at home, on the road and in their neighborhoods.

A centerpiece of Seattle Climate Action Now is a new web site -
www.seattlecan.org - that will make it easy for everyone to get involved. It features simple steps that people can take to cut carbon emissions that are causing global warming. The site's calendar and homepage will be a clearinghouse for information about climate-related events and activities across the city.

There are also local events planned to help promote Seattle Climate Action Now.
Upcoming Events:
September 22 Columbia City Climate Action Now!
September 22 West Seattle Climate Action Now!
September 22 Phinney-Greenwood Climate Change Action Now
September 22 Seattle CAN Twist & Save: Lightbulb Give-away
September 22 Mara Farm Harvest Celebration and King Co. Farm Tour
September 22 Seattle P-Patch Harvest Fair
September 22 International District Climate Action Now!
September 23 Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Climate Action Now

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Seattle Parks Seeks Names For Two Parks

Seattle Press Release

Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the public to submit potential names for parks in the West Seattle and Queen Anne neighborhoods. Suggestions for names are due to the Park Naming Committee by Thursday, Nov. 1.

The following describe the parks that need new names. The park names used below are working titles:

Ercolini: In 2005, Seattle Parks acquired property at 48th Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street, West of Seattle Junction. Funding from the first cycle of the Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund paid for acquisition of the site, and grants from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office and a Neighborhood Matching Fund will pay for development.

Parks held several public meetings to solicit ideas on the program and design for the park. The preferred concepts include an open play meadow, children’s play structures, a sand box, a small plaza with tables and benches, a loop path and sidewalks, trees, landscaping, drainage and irrigation. Construction on the site begins in early October and will be completed in early 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/proparks/projects/ercoliniDev.htm

Dexter Pit: This project, located on Dexter Avenue N, north of McGraw St, develops a 56,625 square foot (1.3-acre) site into a neighborhood park. This now vacant property was used until 1987 as a gravel pit and for material storage. The site is in the process of being transferred to Parks from Fleets and Facilities.

The Pro Parks Levy provides $745,185 for planning, design and construction of this new park that was identified in the Pro Parks Art Plan as one that would have an artist collaboration. The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs has selected Andrew Cao as the project artist to design the site. Parks has selected SiteWorkshop Landscape Architects to collaborate with the artist to develop a unified design which will support the proposed art work while addressing the environmental issues on site.

The park will be used for recreation and open space purposes, as well as to promote the value of arts and culture in and of communities throughout Seattle parks. Parks has held two of the proposed three public meetings for this project. The third meeting will be held in November 2007. Parks anticipates construction starting in April of 2008 with completion around mid July 2008. For more information please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/proparks/projects/dexterpit.htm

The Park Naming Committee is comprised of one representative designated by the Board of Park Commissioners, one by the Chair of the City Council Parks, Neighborhoods and Education Committee, and one by the Parks Superintendent. Criteria the committee considers in naming parks include: geographical location, historical or cultural significance, and natural or geological features. A park may be named for a person no longer living (deceased a minimum of three years) who made a significant contribution to parks and/or recreation. The Park Naming Committee will consider all suggestions and make a recommendation to the Superintendent, who makes the final decision.

Please submit suggestions for park names in writing by Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, and include an explanation of how your suggestion matches the naming criteria. Send to Seattle Parks and Recreation, Park Naming Committee, 100 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109, or by e-mail to paula.hoff@seattle.gov. In keeping with Seattle's "Paper Cuts" program, electronic submissions are preferred, if possible.

Re-Elect Gov. Gregoire


Last election way really close. This time around I am starting early and gathering support to help Re-elect Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Myspace Group - Facebook Group

Monday, September 17, 2007

Highlights of the mayor’s proposed budget

Following are highlights of the mayor’s proposed budget in the five areas:

  • Public safety - 20 additional police officers; 15 additional firefighters to complete establishment of four-person crews on all fire engines; 24 new red light cameras; six new park rangers; new downtown Medic One Motorcycle teams; and continued police emphasis patrols downtown and in southeast Seattle.
  • Transportation - additional neighborhood-based projects, such as sidewalks and other pedestrian focused efforts; and operation of the South Lake Union line of the Seattle Streetcar and planning for additional lines.
  • Neighborhood enrichment - parks expansion and development; a new trail around Lake Union; helping nonprofit organizations acquire surplus schools; and additional neighborhood arts programs.
  • Climate protection - programs to help residents and businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in city of Seattle buildings.
  • Customer service - new 311 call center providing callers with a single number to call for non-emergency assistance.
Capitol Hill on 15th could use some more police officers.


From www.ci.seattle.wa.us

Learning how to live Green

Living Green Series Offered At Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center is offering classes this fall on ways to create an environmentally friendly, sustainable household. There are classes on putting solar panels to use, using all the fruit from a fruit tree, remodeling a home with sustainable materials, and education on the salmon life cycle. Please register for the courses one week prior to the class date. All classes will take place at the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center located at 950 NW Carkeek Park Road.

Intro to Green Living
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 7 - 9 p.m.

Considering a remodel? Help is here! Learn to incorporate health, efficiency and environmental performance into your home improvements. Thor Peterson is the Residential Green Building specialist with Seattle Department of Planning and Development, and has more than seven years of experience working with green building programs. This two-hour workshop will explain what makes a remodel "green," describe how the green remodeling approach is distinct from conventional remodeling, and show case studies of real Seattle remodels. Samples of green materials and recommended books will also be displayed, and there will be plenty of time for project-specific questions. Thor is a graduate of the Sustainable Building Advisor Certificate program, and author of Seattle's Green Home Remodel guides.

Saving Green: Customer Generation, Green-Up and Energy Conservation
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 10 a.m- Noon

Seattle City Light is leading the way as the Seattle's first Carbon Neutral utility. Come find out more about how you can get involved in conservation, alternative energy sources and generating your own power. Producing your own electricity using solar and other technologies is a growing reality in many parts of the U.S. and around the globe, due partly to recent federal and state incentives. Hear about our cutting edge programs like Production Incentives or Customer Generation (available since 2002) which credits you for power generation that offsets consumption. Make a day of it and join the 2007 International Solar Tour after the program!

Finding Your Inner Green (Green Interiors)
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 7 - 9 p.m.

Sustainable Building Advisor, Alicia Silva, is the founder of Synergy Design Studio in Greenlake and co-founder of Greener Lifestyles in Ballard. Her firm specializes in Green remodeling and interior design for aspiring LEED developments. Ms. Silva has vast experience in a variety of Green materials and applications. Join us to learn what makes these products sustainable and how each could perform and integrate into your specific project. You will be able to touch and see a wide variety of products including: flooring options, paint qualities, tiles, carpet, and countertops. Come share in her green building experience, and focus on achieving true quality of life using green, environmentally friendly products, and design.

(from www.ci.seattle.wa.us)

Friday, September 14, 2007

Help clean up Colonnade Park this Saturday

from the capitol hill yahoogroup

Your volunteer help is needed to complete this wonderful new park that
is under I-5. We must save the trees from ivy and clematis, remove
invasive blackberries and knotweed, and spread mulch. Meet at the
park's northwest corner, between E. Newton St. and E. Howe St.

We provide tools and some work gloves. You're encouraged to bring your
own gloves, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to get dirty. It's great
exercise. Make a difference! Help clean up Colonnade Park this
Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Belltown Music Scene

I don't know who Turn Here Films is but they have made all these Seattle neighborhood films and they are not even from Seattle. Here is the Belltown video.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

A Virtual Tour of Broadway/Capitol Hill

Here is a random video I found on Capitol Hill. It's everything you ever wanted to know about Capitol Hill

Seattle 3rd Best Place to Live in the Country

From the Puget Sound Business Journal

"According to a new Harris Poll, New York City retained its No. 1 ranking and San Diego moved up from No. 4 last year to No. 2. Seattle overtook San Francisco, which fell to No. 4. Las Vegas retained its No. 5 ranking in the poll."

Another reason why rental or housing prices won't be dropping dramatically any time soon.

Operation: Project Splash! on Capitol Hill

Here is an email I got from Project Splash
--------------

"We are Project Splash! Neighbors dedicated to building an outdoor public pool in Seattle, east of I-5, for the enjoyment of all citizens. No waitlists. No membership dues. No more driving across town to splash in a pool on a hot summer day. This will be a pool in your area, one you belong to already."
If you'd like to be a part of the project team, please join us for our next
Steering Committee Mtg Thursday Sept 20th at 6:30pm in the Northeast Public Library Community Room
Please attend one of our public meetings. Kevin Stoops, Parks Dir. of Planning and Kathy Whitman, Parks Aquatics Director will be in attendance. Show your support for this project and help us shape the initial design concept.
Monday October 15th - Miller Community Center - 330 19th Ave E in Capitol Hill 7:00pm http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Centers/miller.htm
Tuesday October 23rd - Meadowbrook Community Center - 10517 35th Ave. NE at 7:15pm
Thanks,
Christine Larsen
Project Splash!
206-412-5010

The Lovely Patrick Wolf is coming to Seattle

Oct 13 Neumo’s Seattle, Washington

Friday, September 07, 2007

Former President Bill Clinton to Headline Mayors’ Climate Summit in Seattle


Seattle Press Release

Former President Bill Clinton will join the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels during a national climate protection summit and first meeting of the signatories of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement scheduled for November 1-2 in Seattle, Wash.

The Seattle summit will be the largest-ever meeting of American mayors devoted solely to climate protection. The theme of the two-day conference is accelerating local leadership. It will bring city leaders from across the country together to promote effective solutions to global warming at the local and national level. More than 100 mayors are expected to attend the event.

“Mayors from around the nation are not waiting to take action to help solve the threat of global warming - they are doing something about it right now,” Nickels said. “This summit will give us a chance to share real-world solutions and learn from those who are making a difference in protecting our planet.”

“The nation's mayors are pleased to welcome President Clinton to our climate protection summit. As President, he worked closely with the nation's mayors to meet the challenges we face everyday in our cities. Since he left office, he has supported efforts by cities who are leading the way to meet the climate protection goals necessary to save our planet. Together, with his leadership and continued action by the nation's mayors, we will make a difference," said U.S. Conference of Mayors President, Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer.

Mayor Nickels spearheaded the US Mayor Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, challenging colleagues from around the country to join him in pledging to significantly cut climate-warming pollution in their cities. The U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimously adopted the agreement. And to date, more than 660 mayors representing more than 73 million Americans have taken the pledge.

President Clinton has been an international leader in the effort to fight global warming through his Clinton Climate Initiative, which promotes climate pollution-reducing initiatives in 40 of the largest cities in the world.

For a list of best practices and more information on what the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Center is doing to reduce global warming in American cities, please visit: usmayors.org/climateprotection/

Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor

2 Tix to see Velvet Revolver & Alice in Chains - anyone want them

I can't go but I have 2 tickets to the show tomorrow. If you want them, leave a comment with your email and I will choose someone around 6pm

Thursday, September 06, 2007

I want a British Nanny

Clive Owen/Paul Giamatti and lots of Guns. What else could a gay man ask for this weekend?

Coming Soon - Morrissey The Musical



That's right Morrissey is coming to Broadway. A musical being put together from the creators of Reno 911 & the movie "Balls of Fury." That actually sounds pretty weird. I am not sure if I would want the creator of Reno 911 and Balls of Fury to do a Morrissey Musical, but regardless I love Morrissey in any form.

Which reminds me, anyone want to fly with me to go see a Morrissey show? He is on tour and not coming to Seattle. (from this link)

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Do you have a "Cool City Pet"

Seattle Press Release

The Seattle Animal Shelter continues showcasing “cool city pets” for adoption every third Saturday of the month. For the remainder of the year, the dates are Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. Between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m., potential adopters can get acquainted with the many small animals available for adoption from the shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., about a mile south of the Ballard Bridge. Available small animals include hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice.

“The Seattle Animal Shelter isn’t just about cats and dogs anymore,” says Director Don Jordan. “Because of our tremendous success in adopting out cats and dogs, we are now entrusted with the lives of all animals when pet owners can no longer care for them. Adopting an animal from the Seattle Animal Shelter is the right thing to do.”

Volunteer small-animal specialists are on hand to help adopters find the right pet for them. They provide information about each animal’s characteristics and needs, demonstrate basic care and handling skills, and answer questions.

All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Animals may be adopted by adults only. Adopters must be prepared to provide proper housing, food, water, toys and other materials necessary for the good health of the animal.

If you would like more information or directions, please call (206) 386-PETS(7387) or visit the shelter’s website at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org. The shelter is open every day, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing.

The Seattle Animal Shelter reserves the right to approve or deny any animal adoptions and limits the number of small animal adoptions to no more than three per household.

Mayor Nickels announces $3.5 million to help end homelessness

From a Seattle Press Release

Mayor Greg Nickels today announced his 2008 proposed budget includes $3.5 million to help fund 84 permanent supportive housing studio apartments for chronically homeless people. Half the units at the Plymouth Housing Group’s First and Cedar project would use a “Housing First” model, which combines homeless housing with important in-house medical and mental health services and other support programs.

“For too long, we attempted to manage homelessness through a system that in many cases provides little more than a mattress for the night,” said Nickels. “Housing First seeks to break the cycle of homelessness by offering a safe, clean place to call home - and much more.”

There are an estimated 500 to 700 chronically homeless individuals in Seattle frequently using emergency services for treatment of mental illness or addiction to drugs and alcohol. The Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness has outlined a strategy to shift from a shelter-based, emergency response system to an approach that promptly moves people into housing with necessary services. Stabilizing this population through a Housing First strategy will reduce costs or increase access to those systems for homeless people who can achieve stability through less intensive interventions.

“We appreciate Mayor Nickels’ support in the effort to end chronic homelessness,” said Paul Lambros, Plymouth Housing Group executive director. “By providing people with a safe and supportive place to call home, this funding will help people regain control of their lives and begin the work towards self-sufficiency.”

“We are grateful to the city of Seattle for the continued support of the Ten-Year Plan and for the new funding to create additional units of supportive housing for homeless individuals,” said Bill Block, director of the Committee to End Homelessness in King County. “The participation and commitment of our many regional partners helps us to maximize our resources and achieve the greatest return on our investments, allowing us to create not just new housing but also hope and healthier futures for individuals and families across King County.”

Combining services with housing reflects a shift from the “reactive” emergency shelter approach to the “proactive” housing first model. National studies have shown homeless families and individuals are more responsive to interventions and social services after they are safely in permanent housing. Providing on-site services reduces the use of emergency services and improves both tenant health and the efficient use of public resources.

The mayor presents his 2008 budget proposal to the City Council on Sept 17 at 2 p.m.. Watch it live on the Seattle Channel.

Kanye West Education PSA

There have been some mixed reviews about Kanye and his Education PSA. Regardless of what his music might sound like(I'm a Fan), anyone who supports a cause like Education should be applauded.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

University of Washington ranks 11th

From UWnews.org

"The University of Washington is tied for the 11th best public university in the most recent edition of America's Best Colleges released today by U.S. News & World Report.

The UW was tied for 42nd overall among national universities both public and private. "

Doctor Who Season 3 - Absolutely Brilliant !!!

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Go see the movie "Once" at the Harvard Exit



I saw this Friday night with Matt and loved it. Street musician meets Czech immigrant who go on to write music and fall in love. Kind of reminds me of the story behind the band the Weepies

The Weepies - World Spins Madly On


The Weepies - Nobody Knows Me At All



"Once" is currently playing at the Harvard Exit Theater in Seattle.

Random Seattle Videos

Here are 2 random videos I found on YouTube that were posted in the last 24 hours under the tag Seattle.

People Paragliding down Tiger Mountain


Someone advertising a local Seattle singles website in Bellevue. You would think they would advertise it in Seattle