PhinneyWood

Deputies storm into Greenwood business looking for Shoreline homicide suspect

Doree — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:39:55 +0000

A number of King County Sheriff’s deputies massed in the parking lot to the east of the Greenwood Fred Meyer around 12:30 this afternoon, then about an hour later stormed into the Green Relief medical marijuana dispensary at 85th and 3rd, looking for a suspect in this morning’s Shoreline homicide.

A large group of King County Sheriff’s deputies can been seen in the middle of this photo.

A witness tells us eight deputies were in a black armored car.

Shane, the owner and director of Green Relief, tells us that deputies were looking for one of Green Relief’s patients, whose car was parked in his lot. Shane (who didn’t want his last name used) said he last saw the man about 8 o’clock last night, but that he was not there today.

Shane says deputies took the suspect’s car. He also says the deputies were very apologetic, and that the incident had nothing to do with his medical marijuana business.

We have a message into the King County Sheriff’s Office and will update this post as soon as we hear back.

Thanks to Summer for the photo!

Greenwood Garage Sale Day is Saturday

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:07:21 +0000

Our neighborhood’s huge annual Greenwood Garage Sale Day is coming up on Saturday, with more than 100 garage and yard sales, plus a flea market, tool sale and electronics recycling at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N.

In the lower parking lot of the PNA, you can recycle clothing, household goods, construction materials, CFL light bulbs and electronics, courtesy of SustainableWorks, Green Canopy, Cleanscapes, Goodwill, and InterConnection.

Garage sales and flea market hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The recycling and e-cycling at the PNA runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. So whatever doesn’t sell at your garage sale, bring it to the PNA afterwards.

And just in case you don’t find everything you’re looking for in Greenwood-Phinney, you can pop on over to Wallingford for its yard sale “tour,” benefitting McDonald International School and John Stanford International School.

The yard sale tour is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The main event is at McDonald School/Lincoln High School parking lot, 4400 Interlake Ave. N., where you can browse items from many families. Six neighborhood sites also will have sales to benefit the schools’ PTAs.

Beer, beer, and more beer in the neighborhood for Seattle Beer Week

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:36:48 +0000

Greenwood and Phinney Ridge have their share of pubs and restaurants for beer lovers to quench their thirst. Since this is Seattle Beer Week, they’re all taking it up a notch with special events.

The Park Pub, 6114 Phinney Ave. N., hosts its fourth annual New Brewers Night from 5-9 p.m. today. The pub is hosting brewers from Ballard’s own Hilliard’s Beer and NW Peaks Brewery, Woodinville’s Twelve Bar Brews, and SODO’s Churchkey Can Co.

Naked City Brewery & Taphouse, 8564 Greenwood Ave. N., is hosting a slew of events, including Oregon Brewers Night from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, plus a free screening of the classic silent film “Sunrise: A Tale of Two Humans,” with a live synchronized soundtrack by DJ Jon Francois, starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Chuck’s Hop Shop, at 656 NW 85th St., is pairing Widmer Brother’s beer with Full Tilt Ice Cream from 5-8 p.m. today; $10 for a flight of four beers and four ice creams.

Check out Seattle Beer Week’s website for a list of all events.

Balderdash Books closes today!

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:50:32 +0000

Balderdash Books & Art, 8536 Greenwood Ave. N., is closing its door today at 8 p.m.

From owner Vanessa Ormiston:

I will be open from 12:30 to 8pm. We still have lots of great books so stop by and get a boxful. 50% OFF! 75% if you have credit. Leftover books will be sold online through Balderdash Books on Amazon, Alibris, Biblio, Half, and Ebay. Thank you Greenwood!

NW Design Review Board approves Taproot Theatre’s expansion plans

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:39:14 +0000

The NW Design Review Board last night approved Taproot Theatre’s plans to expand into the space formerly occupied by the Eleanor Roosevelt building, which burned in a 2009 arson.

Courtesy of The Miller Hull Partnership.

Taproot plans a second theater, dressing rooms, offices, scene workshop and a café and wine bar at 208 N. 85th Street.

The theater is working with The Miller Hull Partnership to design the expansion, and Method Homes, which manufactures prefabricated structures. Most of the building will be constructed inside Method Homes’ factory; electrical and plumbing connections and finish work will only take a few weeks once the modular pieces are installed on the site.

In a change from the original proposal, the building façade will be set back three feet to the north, to increase the width of the sidewalk, making it safer for people who stand on the sidewalk before and after each show. (Currently, the crowded sidewalks put people uncomfortably close to traffic on North 85th Street.)

You can see a PDF of Taproot’s updated plans here.

Rickshaw employee fundraiser tomorrow night

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:36:05 +0000

Don’t forget about Wednesday night’s fundraiser for employees of Rickshaw Restaurant and Lounge, who have been out of work since a grease fire on March 24 temporarily shut down the restaurant at 322 N. 105th St.

Kathy’s Pizza, Grill & Sports Bar at 930 N. 130th St. is hosting the fundraiser from 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday. Come enjoy a beer pong competition, karaoke, trivia and purchase $1 raffle tickets. Pizza slices will be $2, and Bud Light pitchers will be $8.

Thieves smash in door of Greenwood home to steal electronics and jewelry

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:27:26 +0000

Shelley tells us that thieves smashed in her front door yesterday.

Yesterday afternoon our front door was broken down and thieves stole jewelry, iPods and collectables from our home. They exited the back door and likely went through our neighbors yard to the back alley. This happened in near 90th & 3rd sometime between 2 and 5:30 in the afternoon. We did file a police report, but thought you might be interested in noting this on the blog. They were able to break down the door despite a deadbolt by smashing the entire lock mechanism housing. The door frame was shattered. If anyone saw anything, it would be great if they could speak up. The thieves took little of real value, but jewelry of sentimental value.

‘Leaving Iowa’ arrives at Taproot Theatre this week

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:30:21 +0000

Taproot Theatre’s newest production, “Leaving Iowa,” tackles the classic family road trip when it opens on Friday.

Left to right: Kim Morris, Ian Lindsay, Helen Harvester and Robert Gallaher. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Remember those family vacations you tried to forget? Don’s memories of family road trips come to life as he travels cross-country to scatter his father’s ashes. Packed with rollicking good humor, this celebration of family reminds us that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.

Stand-up comedians Tim Clue and Spike Manton teamed up to tackle issues of family and the Midwest in their hit play Leaving Iowa. Tim Clue explains, “Leaving Iowa is a postcard to anyone who has ever found themselves driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of their youth.” In Taproot Theatre’s production, director Karen Lund emphasizes the hysterical truths about wacky families while not losing sight of the importance of relationships and respect that grows over time.

“Leaving Iowa” has discount-priced previews on Wednesday and Thursday, before opening night on Friday. It runs through June 16.

Eastbound detours on N/NW 85th Street will end Tuesday afternoon

Doree — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:30:41 +0000

Seattle Department of Transportation crews will reopen the eastbound lanes of N/NW 85th Street between 8th Avenue NW and Greenwood Avenue North on Tuesday afternoon, in time for the evening commute.

Crews still have some work to do on sidewalks, curb replacements and pavement markings, so there will continue to be intermittent temporary closures in places.

On Thursday and Friday, 9th and 12th avenues northwest at NW 85th Street will be closed for asphalt replacement, weather permitting.

Access to and from the north side of North 85th Street at Fremont Avenue North remains closed for installation of a stormwater detention pipe.

Access to and from North 85th Street at Phinney Avenue North will close for two days this week for pipe testing.

Construction really gets underway on Greenwood Avenue North this week, as crews will grind the roadway between North 73rd and North 80th streets, in preparation for paving. On-street parking on that stretch will be temporarily removed.

Remember that all businesses are open during construction, even if they’re a little hard to get to!

Greenwood Community Council meets Tuesday to discuss state of the neighborhood, focus for next year

Doree — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:03:33 +0000

The Greenwood Community Council will meet from 7-8:30 Tuesday at the Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. On the agenda is “the state of Greenwood,” as well as what topics the council should focus on over the coming year.

From new GCC President Rob Fellows:

It’s been a difficult time in Greenwood. Hard economic times have put strain on local businesses and social services. Planned developments have been put on hold. Comments on local blogs are sometimes bitter, and the Phinney-Greenwood Chamber has been dissolved. At the same time, there have been some exciting and thriving new businesses, and our streets are being rebuilt. It’s a good time to consider how we’d like to be positioned as a neighborhood as the dust clears and the economy begins hopefully to improve again.

At Tuesday’s meeting we’d like to hear from you about the state of the neighborhood, and how the community council can contribute to a better future. We’d also like to settle on a draft program for the next year.

We brainstormed some topics for next year’s meetings – they included:

Fall candidates forum

Empty storefronts and economic recovery

Transit and transportation

Safety, emergency preparedness and block watch

Sidewalks update and strategy

Greenways

Kids’ agenda – what it’s like for kids living in Greenwood

The state of social services here

What do you think? Are these the things most worth thinking about? Are there others you’d put higher on your own list? If you have thoughts on the state of the neighborhood or the community council, please stop by on Tuesday and speak your peace.

Hit-and-run of parked car in Greenwood Sunday afternoon

Doree — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:35:39 +0000

Laura tells us that someone hit her family’s parked car at North 90th Street and Dayton Avenue North on Sunday afternoon.

This afternoon at around 4:30 a large truck towing a boat (orange or yellow boat) struck and damaged my husband’s car. We were in the yard at the time and heard the accident, but thought they had hit the roundabout at the intersection. It wasn’t until about 45 minutes later we discovered the damage to the car (bumper has been knocked free of the car and there is damage over the front driver side tire.)

Did anyone see this happen or have any more information?

Taproot Theatre expansion at Design Review Board meeting Monday

Doree — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:44:27 +0000

Just a reminder that Taproot Theatre’s expansion is on the agenda for the city’s Design Review Board on Monday. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Ballard High School, 1418 NW 65th St., in the library.

Taproot is expanding to the east, to 208 N. 85th St., to the parcel of land formerly occupied by four restaurants that were destroyed in a 2009 arson. Taproot proposes a two-story, 12,200-square foot space that would include a second theater, scene shop, office space and a café.

Rendering by the Miller Hull Partnership.

At the meeting, Taproot will present updated designs after presenting an initial concept to the Early Design Guidance Board on Dec. 13, 2010.

The public is invited to comment.

Crowded sidewalks for first night of ArtWalk, more art Saturday

Doree — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Lots of people were out in the neighborhood Friday night for the big annual Phinney-Greenwood ArtWalk, which continues from 12-5 p.m. Saturday.

Outside Metropolis and Avanti Art & Design.

Furnishments reopened in its new space at 7218 Greenwood Ave. N. just as the ArtWalk started.

As usual, the Greenwood Library left out a big bucket of chalk for Artwalkers to create their own art.

Luxe Lighting showed off art under some beautiful lights.

They were singing the blues at Valentine’s Men’s Grooming Salon.

From Sundust Oracle Institute.

We didn’t get to see nearly as much of the ArtWalk as we wanted, because we were busy covering the scattered crime scene of a suspect who led police on a high-speed chase through the neighborhood, hitting one pedestrian and nearly hitting a second, so if you have photos of the ArtWalk you’d like to share, please email us.

Hit and run mayhem during Art Walk

Doree — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:23:15 +0000

Update 10 p.m.: Det. Mark Jamieson has just posted the full account on the SPD Blotter.

Update 9:15 p.m.: The scene at 73^rd and Greenwood was just one of several crime scenes that Seattle Police say is related to one suspect.

“We have quite a convoluted scene, a very spread out scene, Det. Mark Jamieson tells me.

Det. Jamieson says this is all began about 6:30 tonight when an officer recovered a stolen car near Green Lake. The registered owner was contacted and said he was on his way to pick it up. The officer completed his paperwork and drove away, but just minutes later he saw that same car drive by. The officer knew that the registered owner couldn’t have reached the scene that fast, so he tried to pull the car over. The suspect took off at a high rate of speed.

“So we now have a stolen car that has been re-stolen,” Det. Jamieson says.

The officer chased the stolen car up to Greenwood Avenue, where several other police cars were congregating to stop the suspect. The suspect intentionally rammed a patrol car, then drove up onto the sidewalk, nearly striking a pedestrian, who had to jump out of the way. Det. Jamieson said that pedestrian suffered a minor injury from scrambling out of the way, and was taken to the hospital to be checked out. hitting a pedestrian, who suffered a minor leg injury (this information has been updated by SPD.)

The chase continued northbound on Greenwood Avenue and side streets, until the suspect collided with another car at 87^th and Greenwood, and then also hit another patrol car. The suspect drove around Walgreens, down the alley, and tried to run over officers who were trying to stop him. Another pedestrian in that area was slightly hurt jumping out of the way.

This car was hit by the suspect at North 87th Street and Greenwood Avenue North. Photo by James McFarlane.

At that point, SPD terminated the pursuit, but was able to keep visual contact with the suspect vehicle because so many patrol cars were in the area.

This police car was hit near the Walgreens at 87th and Greenwood. Photo by James McFarlane.

The suspect was finally caught at 8^th Avenue NE and NE 67^th Street. The suspect is a man in his 20s. Det. Jamieson said he was taken to Harborview Medical Center because he appeared to be under the influence of something. After being evaluated at the hospital, he will be booked into King County Jail for a variety of charges.

Earlier: A two-car accident Friday evening at Greenwood Avenue North and North 73rd Street turned into a police chase “right out of Hollywood,” according to one witness.

When an officer saw the accident and turned on his lights, one of the vehicles, a white sedan, pulled a quick u-turn, hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk and sped north on Greenwood Avenue, bystander Matt Gaultier said.

Another witness, Evan Rush, said “the officer gunned it going backwards and spun around. It was just like out of Hollywood.”

An officer at 73rd said the suspect was captured in Greenwood and may have collided with a police vehicle.

We saw one person being taken to the hospital.

After all that, a police car leaving the scene accidentally backed into a car that was waiting at the light, going northbound on Greenwood Avenue North.

As of 8 p.m., part of the scene was taped off and officers were directing traffic through the intersection.

Northwest Fine Arts Competition calling for artist submissions by June 8

Doree — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:56:10 +0000

The Phinney Center Gallery is once again organizing the Northwest Fine Arts Competition.

This year’s deadline for artist submissions is June 8. Selected art will be displayed in the Phinney Center Gallery from Oct. 3 through Nov. 28.

A recent art show at the Phinney Center Gallery. Photo courtesy of the PNA.

This year’s jurors are Michele Osgood, co-owner of Bherd Studios in Greenwood, and Sue Peterson, the founder/curator of Fountainhead Gallery of Seattle.

The artist selected as the juror’s pick will receive $200 and a six-week solo show in the gallery in 2013

All artists working in 2-D or 3-D media are eligible. Submitted works must have been completed in the last two years and have not been shown previously in the Phinney Center Gallery. Artists must live or work in the Pacific Northwest.

For complete contest information and submission form, see the Northwest Fine Arts Competition website.

Greenwood Senior Center events: medications, chronic conditions, movie screening

Doree — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:45:04 +0000

The Greenwood Senior Center has several upcoming events that might be of interest.

Brown Bag Pharmacy Event from 11: 30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wed., May 16. If you have questions about your medications, you can reserve a 30-minute medicine-review appointment with Seattle Pacific University senior nursing students. A pharmacist will be available for consultation. Please bring all the medications, vitamins and supplements you take, even those you don’t take every day (please leave in the original containers). Reservations are required by calling the Greenwood Senior Center at 206-297-0875 by Monday.

Self Management of Chronic Conditions, with Carin Mack, MSW, and Katherine Segura, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursdays, May 17-June 21. Free, six-week course for those with a chronic illness to learn how to better manage their health. Registration is required by calling 206-297-0875 by Monday.

And coming up at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, a special benefit movie screening of “Old Goats.”

From local writer-director Taylor Guterson, Old Goats is the often hilarious and always heartfelt story of three older men who refuse to go quietly into the night of retirement and old age.

Cost is $15, which includes a reception with the director and some of the actors. All proceeds benefit the GSC. To reserve your tickets, call 206-297-0875.

The Greenwood Senior Center is at 525 N. 85th St.

Furnishments reopening at 73rd & Greenwood

Doree — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:21:18 +0000

Furnishments, which was a furniture consignment and home staging/design store at 73rd and Linden until March, is reopening tonight at 7218 Greenwood Ave. N., next to Turabi Rug Gallery, taking over half of Turabi’s space.

Owner Katrina Puetz tells us Furnishments will no longer offer consignment, but will sell new furniture and home décor, and also still offer home staging and design services.

Furnishments’ grand opening is at 6 p.m. Friday to coincide with the big ArtWalk. Five artists will be displaying their art, and snacks (such as truffled popcorn) and beverages will be served.

Furnishments’ hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

SDOT won’t close 85th & Greenwood intersection until after ArtWalk Friday night

Doree — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:07:53 +0000

Seattle Department of Transportation crews will not close the intersection of North 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue North at 7 p.m. Friday as originally planned. Instead, traffic will begin detouring at 8 p.m., and the intersection will close at the official end of the ArtWalk at 9 p.m. It will reopen at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Crews will work continuously through the night and next day.

SDOT is delaying the intersection closure because of community concerns that it would make it harder for people to get to ArtWalk venues.

In order to complete the road work while accommodating the Art Walk, we will ensure that pedestrian pathways are clearly marked and access is maintained to all adjacent businesses. We will have flaggers, uniformed police officers, and other project personnel available to monitor construction and ensure pedestrian mobility is maintained. If you drive to the Phinneywood Art Walk, you will be able to leave the site after the intersection closure is implemented.

Because of the delay in the start of work Friday night, noisy work will occur into the early hours on Saturday and we will be finished later on Saturday than originally planned. However, the work on Saturday afternoon will not be as noisy as the work on Friday night and Saturday morning.

If you have any questions or concerns about the repaving project, you can visit the project website, sign up for weekly email updates by emailing pave_85th@seattle.gov, or call the 24-hour project line at 206-496-9993.

City affirms original environmental decision on Greenwood Fred Meyer site

Doree — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:56:25 +0000

This afternoon, the city’s Department of Planning and Development affirmed its original Determination of Non-Significance of environmental concerns at the Greenwood Fred Meyer site. Fred Meyer is now free to begin work on its major renovation of the site, which includes a down-to-the-studs remodel of the existing store, the demolition of the former Greenwood Market building, and a large addition.

Fred Meyer closed the Greenwood store on Feb. 25, before the deadline for appealing the city’s original decision. Neighborhood activist Kate Martin then appealed, and a hearing was held on April 25. Hearing examiner Sue Tanner issued her decision this afternoon.

The city added one condition: Fred Meyer will have to add some kind of landscaping or pedestrian buffer around NW 85th Street and 3rd Avenue NW.

Neighborhood sidewalks will be filled with folks at huge annual ArtWalk Friday and Saturday

Doree — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:39:40 +0000

Greenwood-Phinney has a great monthly Art Up Artwalk, but the major art event of the year is the May PhinneyWood ArtWalk, which features more artists and participating businesses and big crowds.

“Hazy Moon” by Yachun Peng, at the Phinney Center Gallery.

From 6-9 p.m. Friday and again 12-5 p.m. Saturday, about 75 art galleries and other businesses from North 59 to 87th streets will feature art from more than 150 artists. Some will also have live music and other entertainment. You can check out an online map, or pick up a paper map at all participating ArtWalk businesses.

Keep in mind that construction continues on North 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue North, and many businesses near that intersection have their sidewalks torn up. But boardwalks are in place to allow access to businesses.

Down at the south end of the ArtWalk, A la Mode Pies will feature photography by Greg Plumis; The Urban Lola will showcase photography by Kelly Bauer and Art of LolaLisa, plus recycled leather bags by Fleurie Designs; and Hip Zephyr will have mixed-media acrylic paintings by Gay Seydlitz.

On the north end, Pema Kharpo at 8554 Greenwood Ave. N. will provide classic Tibetan folk music and calligraphy; Naked City Brewery & Taphouse will have photography by Rawi Nanakul; and you’ll see leather masks by Timothy Stephens at Terra Bella Flowers.

In between, Tasty art gallery opens a group show called “Flora and Fauna,” featuring the work of 15 artists (below); the Phinney Center Gallery features the whimsical work of Enfu and Yachun Peng; and the new location of Furnishments (which recently closed down the hill at North 73rd Street and Linden Avenue North) at 7218 Greenwood Ave. N. will showcase acrylics by Anna Morgenthaler, collage by Jessica Schultz, acrylics, oils and mixed media by Cher Myers, and digital painting by Aaron Rutten.

The front window of Santoro’s Books will feature the artwork of fifth-graders from Daniel Bagley Elementary. “I Am Words” consists of self-portraits constructed from sentences that each student wrote about his or her life. Inside the bookstore, you’ll find nature shadowbox artwork by Marie Ciliberto, and two neighborhood authors signing books on Friday night: Donna Miscolta (“When the De La Cruz Family Danced”) and Elena Louise Richmond (“99 Girdles on the Wall.”)

Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono Café is hosting a Pacific Northwest Folklore Society Coffee House Concert with Heidi Muller, and many restaurants are offering discounts and specials during ArtWalk hours.

At the 2010 annual ArtWalk, Trio Con Brio sat on toilets while performing in the front window of Johnson & Johnson Antiques.

While you’re out and about, please consider bringing a can or two of food or hygiene items for the Greenwood Food Bank. Volunteers will be collecting donations at Green Bean Coffee House at 8533 Greenwood Ave. N. and Urban Light Studios at 8537 Greenwood Ave. N., Suite 1 (inside the Greenwood Collective.)

PhinneyWood ArtWalk is organized by the all-volunteer Greenwood Arts Council, in collaboration with the Phinney Neighborhood Association and the ArtUp Phinney-Greenwood monthly artwalk, with funding support from the city’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

(The ArtWalk is a PhinneyWood sponsor.)

Still waiting on decision on Fred Meyer environmental appeal

Doree — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:39:28 +0000

The Department of Planning & Development’s hearing examiner has not yet released her decision regarding the environmental appeal on Fred Meyer’s Greenwood store renovation. The appeal hearing was on April 25, and City Planner Scott Kemp said Hearing Examiner Sue Tanner would release her decision within two weeks.

When we contacted the Hearing Examiner’s office yesterday, we were told that Tanner has not been in the office for several days. We will keep checking and post her decision as soon as it is issued.

Crime update from SPD North Precinct

Doree — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:32:49 +0000

Terrie Johnston, Seattle Police Department North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, recently sent a crime update to Neighborhood Watch Captains and local media:

1. The North Precinct Burglary/Theft Unit continues to follow up on recent burglary arrests done by North Precinct patrol officers, and due in some part to your watchfulness and good 9-1-1 calls. The 19 year old serial occupied burglar and auto thief who was hitting the north end neighborhoods hard approx. 8 weeks ago has been charged with nearly 10 years. He is in jail and won’t be released for a long time.

2. A 39-year old, white female was arrested last week for multiple burglaries in the north end, some in which the residents were home at the time of the crime. She confessed to detectives that she is an addict, and she preferred burglaries to prostitution. She spent the day with detectives showing them houses she had hit. She told the detectives that she was surprised how many people leave their house keys out in mailboxes; or on the front porch (she found keys in a pair of shoes on front porch). Please re-think the hide-away key. You may think it is unusual to put in under a paving stone, or huge flower pot, etc. but burglars who do this for a living, know our hiding spots. She also told the detectives that she often looked in the windows and could see the desirable loot in plain sight (purses, cash, electronics).

3. I talked with a gentleman today who lives in the Maple Leaf neighborhood. Evidently, yesterday during the glorious weather we had, he was gardening in the front yard. A thief, unseen by neither the homeowner nor nearby neighbors, entered this home through the unlocked back door and took cash and prescription meds. from a back bedroom. I know it may be inconvenient to keep your doors locked when you are home and gardening, but these crimes are quick and contribute to our burglary rate increases during summer months.

And in light of all the reports lately of possible solicitor scams, Johnston also included information on door-to-door sellers:

This is the peak time of year for door-to-door sales, including those using traveling sales crews. There are many legitimate companies in this industry with professionally trained salespeople, selling between the hours of 8:00am and 9:00pm, and a long history of law-abiding customer service. There are, however, less reputable companies in this business willing to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals who trust people knocking at their door. Sometimes residents forget to practice good personal safety.

Seattle Police officers respond to calls from citizens concerned about door-to-door salespeople. The results have ranged from the officers checking identification and sending the seller to the City of Seattle Revenue & Consumer Affairs office for their business license, to arrests of individuals posing as residential sellers, but wanted on warrants. There have also been arrests for aggressive behavior, threats made against the resident, burglaries, and assaults.

Homeowners may consider posting a sign indicating “No agents,” “No peddlers,” or “No Solicitors.” In Seattle, it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs.

With these facts in mind, what should you do when a person knocks at your door?

BEFORE OPENING YOUR DOOR: LOOK FOR PROPER IDENTIFICATION. Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door. In Seattle, all door-to-door sellers must display the residential sales identification which includes the seller’s photograph on their outer clothing. The residential sales agent’s license has the name of the licensee as well as the agent. It shall be endorsed with the type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product or service specified. If you have any questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs at 206-684-8136.

DISCLOSURE REQUIRED: Each residential seller shall, immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented. If requested to do so, they shall leave the premises immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is made by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

USE GOOD JUDGEMENT: It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home. You are encouraged to avoid paying immediately. Do not give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from the company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel. For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller. It must also include a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of Cancellation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling your order.

DO NOT GIVE IN TO HIGH PRESSURE TACTICS: Never be afraid to say “NO!” If a salesperson in your home tries to pressure you into buying their product, terminate your conversation with them. Take the time to contact the company directly if you still have interest in the product or service. Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

12 Seattle authors at Book Club Brunch in Greenwood on Saturday to benefit literacy

Doree — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:02:26 +0000

Twelve prominent Seattle authors will have brunch with the public on Saturday morning to raise money for literacy programs. Hosted by Seattle7Writers and Elliott Bay Book Company, the Book Club Brunch begins at 10 a.m. Saturday upstairs at Greenwood Square, 8420 Greenwood Ave. N.

Proceeds benefit 826 Seattle and Powerful Schools.

Book Club Brunch features nationally acclaimed and bestselling Northwest authors:

Jim Lynch, discussing his new novel “Truth Like the Sun”
Garth Stein, author of “The Art of Racing in the Rain”
Heather Barbieri, author of “The Cottage at Glass Beach”
Randy Sue Coburn, author of “A Better View of Paradise”
Laurie Frankel, author of “The Atlas of Love”
Jennie Shortridge, author of “When She Flew”
Kit Bakke, author of “Dot to Dot”
Erica Bauermeister, author of “Joy for Beginners”
Dave Boling, author of “Guernica”
Stephanie Kallos, author of “Sing Them Home”
Indu Sundaresan, author of “Shadow Princess”
Tara Austen Weaver, author of “The Butcher and The Vegetarian: One Woman’s Romp Through a World of Men, Meat, and Moral Crisis”

Seattle7Writers is a nonprofit organization that promotes local literature and literacy organizations. All of the writers’ books will be available for purchase at the event, and a percentage of book sales will benefit the literacy programs. Authors will sign their books.

Tickets are $50 online, and includes brunch, mimosas, and a $30 tax-deductible donation.

The entrance to Greenwood Square is on North 85th Street, by the Metro bus stop.

Phinney Farmers Market Opens June 1

Doree — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:48:42 +0000

The Phinney Farmers Market is back for its sixth year, starting on June 1. It will be in the upper parking lot of the Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., from 3-7 p.m. every Friday through Oct. 5.

About 30 vendors will fill the market with fresh fruit, veggies, prepared foods, nuts, honey, cheeses, bread, ice cream and more. New vendors this year include Van Vuren’s Farm, which will sell fresh eggs; Jacobs Creamery, with artisan cheeses; and frozen, organic baby food from Ladybug Organic Kitchen. Plus, the Juice Peddler will have their bike-powered blenders ready to create fruit smoothies.

The market is looking for volunteers to staff the market information booth, or to help clean up after the market ends. They also need people to “adopt” one of the A-frame signs to place at key intersections on market day. If you can help, email Ali at alis@phinneycenter.org.

President Obama’s visit tomorrow will cause bus delays

Doree — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:37:11 +0000

If you take the bus downtown, be aware that increased security due to President Obama’s visit tomorrow will likely delay bus service.

Here’s the latest from Metro:

From about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Convention Place Station (CPS) in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel will be closed to all pedestrian access. Buses will continue to travel through CPS, but will not stop there. No passengers will be allowed to board or exit buses in the station, or access the tunnel from the CPS entrance at 9th Avenue and Pine Street.

During this time please board or exit all tunnel buses at the other four tunnel stations, or at their regularly posted surface street stops before they enter or after they leave CPS. Sound Transit Link light rail service is expected to operate normally in the tunnel during this time.

Additionally, from about noon to about 3 p.m. on Thursday, Pine Street will be closed west of Interstate 5. During this closure, there will be no bus service on Pine Street between I-5 and 5th Avenue.

Because of street closures and traffic congestion, bus passengers should expect delays throughout the day on Thursday. This could affect bus service in other parts of the county as well. Please allow extra travel time on Thursday and to be prepared for traffic conditions to change.

KOMO: Thieves steal wife’s ashes from car in Phinney Ridge

Doree — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:32:54 +0000

KOMO 4 reports that someone stole a backpack with a woman’s ashes from a car parked in Phinney Ridge. Widower Mark Matson told KOMO he put the backpack with his wife’s ashes into his SUV on Monday night. He planned to hike into the Cascades the next morning to spread her ashes.

You can read the full story here, including a description of the urn.

Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce will officially dissolve, be replaced by enhanced PNA business membership

Doree — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:58:02 +0000

After months of discussion, the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce will soon dissolve and be replaced by an enhanced business membership option through the Phinney Neighborhood Association.

The Chamber coordinates a number of neighborhood events each year, including the Greenwood Seafair Parade, the annual Seattle Summer Streets, the Art Up PhinneyWood Monthly Art Walk, and Safe Halloween Trick or Treat. (It also helped run the Greenwood Car Show for many years, but that event is now run by the Greenwood Knights.) The Chamber is still sponsoring the Greenwood Seafair Parade on July 25.

A Chamber task force called the “PhinneyWood Business Group” has spent the last two months figuring out a new direction for the organization, and last week recommended that the Chamber dissolve, and the business community join forces with the PNA.

“There is a real deep-seated support for the PNA in the business community, and we wanted to really take advantage of that,” task force member Jim Bennett explained. “They already had a membership committee set up to work with the business community.”

Bennett said the Chamber and the PNA have long cooperated on many programs and community events, so it made sense to simply join forces.

“They’re excited about it and we’re really excited about it,” he said.

The business group’s new mission statement is: “PhinneyWood Business Group connects, supports, and promotes our community businesses, helping to make Greenwood and Phinney a great neighborhood to live, work, and play.”

The details of an enhanced PNA business membership are still being worked out, so stay tuned.

City Arts Magazine designates Greenwood ‘Little Mezze’ in honor of all the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurants

Doree — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:13:19 +0000

City Arts Magazine has designated a part of our neighborhood as “Little Mezze” in honor of our concentration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants.

The article by Jonathan Zwickel lists eight restaurants: the new Hummus Cafe, Mr. Gyros, Georgia’s Greek Restaurant & Deli, The Olive and Grape, Yanni’s Greek Restaurant, Gorgeous George’s, Kouzina and Istanbul Kebab.

By the way, City Arts is located in Greenwood at 425 N. 85th St.

Thanks to LS and Hilary for the tips!

Tequila tasting event coming to Phinney Ridge this summer

Doree — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:22:07 +0000

“Northwest Tequila Fest” is coming to the Phinney Neighborhood Center on Aug. 18. Taste tequila, mezcal and sotol, and experience Mexican music and food. A cocktail contest will challenge bartenders from across the Puget Sound area to come up with tequila-inspired cocktails.

NWTF will be in the PNA’s lower parking lot, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. Tickets will go on sale in June (the admission price has not been set yet).

The event will benefit the Benevolent Guild of Seattle, a fraternal organization which assists children, charities and support groups.

We probably don’t have to mention this, but, Northwest Tequila Fest is for people ages 21 and over only.

Possible magazine solicitation scam in Phinney

Doree — Sun, 06 May 2012 17:21:43 +0000

Willene tells us she believes she fell for a magazine solicitation scam Saturday evening.

We were just visited by a man and teen selling magazine subscriptions through a company called Urban 1.

They told us the story of trying to train teens to work hard and be responsible rather than just ask for hand-outs. We fell for it. 30 minutes later we had written a check for $105 for Sports Illustrated magazine subscription to be donated to the Veterans hospital.

The teen was going to be given 50% of the funds and Urban 1 was helping her to get her GED. etc. Of course after they left, we started to think about the details, went online, and of course Urban 1 is a known scam.

Thought we should put the word out. It’s very sad….the scam reports said that Urban 1 picks up these teens out of the shelters and actually promises them all kinds of support. The teens are being scammed too. We live near 60th and 2nd Avenue…..so that was the neighborhood they were visiting today.

A quick Internet search turned up a St. Louis-based magazine sales company called Urban 1, along with numerous complaints about the company. Did anyone else see these folks?