December 2008

Heavy snow and icy roads didn't slow down West Seattle residents who found creative ways to brave the elements and get around heavily snow packed neighborhoods.

Snow plows, cross country skis and all terrain vehicles all saw the light of day today. Intrepid West Seattleites took to the streets, sidwalks, and hills to get around and have some fun, on what for many was a "Snow Day."

Photos by Patrick Robinson, Steve Shay, and Debbie Daschner

While Dec. 18 in Ballard could be summed up by one word, "snow," the word of the day Dec. 19 could be "ice." Following the lead of the rest of the Seattle area, Ballard residents, at least those who ventured out of their cozy homes, were encircled by a slippery scene evocative of a Norman Rockwell New England painting. See the slideshow with this story.

Photos by Steve Shay

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures Dec. 18 and 19 made travel hazardous and forced many Ballard residents to stay home from work. But, the snow wasn't bad news for everyone in the neighborhood.

Hattie's Hat on Ballard Avenue was three times busier than normal on Thursday afternoon, said Hattie's bartender Brian Plonsky.

"A snow storm around here makes it busier because people don't want to drive," Plonsky said. "And if people don't go to work, they want to drink."

It wasn't just the bars that were experiencing solid, if not booming, business during the unusually harsh winter weather.

Jill Andersen, owner of Horseshoe on Ballard Avenue, said she had heard mixed reports from other neighborhood businesses, but her boutique was busy despite the snow.

Andersen said the predicted weekend of bad weather shouldn't hurt business in the neighborhood too much.

How can you best be an advocate for your child when it comes to kindergarten readiness? Should you push them ahead or stay in preschool another year?

How do you choose the right school?

These were a few of the concerns that north Seattle parents had last week at Faith Lutheran Church where a panel of experts shared their thoughts and answered questions on kindergarten readiness.

Henrik Ivarsson, a Ballard dad, is concerned about his 5 year old son starting kindergarten in the fall.

"It takes a long time for him to feel safe...

908 N.W. 51st St.

Contact: Dan Duffus, 282-9270

Project 3009238

An application has been submitted to the city to allow four residential units of cottage housing. Surface parking for five vehicles to be provided. Review includes future unit lot subdivision. Existing single family residence to remain, for a total of five residential units.

No environmental review is required.

7219 Greenwood Ave. N.

Update: 4:27 p.m., Friday Ballard Metro Transit routes, 17, 15, 18 and 28 have no service north of Northwest 85th Street.

Route 44 is operating its regular route.

Update: 2:40 p.m., Friday High winds forecast this weekend may lead to power outages in some parts of the city.

"We can't predict which neighborhoods if any may lose power, so we want to encourage all residents of King County to have a plan about how to stay warm and safe during adverse weather," said Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health, Seattle and King County.

Update: 3:25 p.m. Southwest 108th Street between 4th Avenue Southwest and 12th Avenue Southwest is closed to through traffic. No traffic is permitted through.

Update: 1 p.m. King Country Metro Tranist will be focusing on core service on major routes for the afternoon commute and the rest of Thursday. and cancel or severly reduce many of its bus routes due to deteriorating travel conditions, according to the city.

The developing plan is to provide bus service on cleared highways and arterial roads, and to major transit centers and park-and-ride lots.

Heavy snow and icy roads didn't slow down West Seattle residents who found creative ways to brave the elements and get around heavily snow packed neighborhoods.

Snow plows, cross country skis and all terrain vehicles are saw the light of day today. Intrepid West Seattleites took to the streets, sidwalks, and hills to get around and have some fun, on what for many was a "Snow Day."

Photos by Patrick Robinson, Steve Shay, and Debbie Daschner

Update: 1 p.m.

King Country Metro Tranist will be focusing on core service on major routes for the afternoon commute and the rest of Thursday. and cancel or severly reduce many of its bus routes due to deteriorating travel conditions, according to the city.

The developing plan is to provide bus service on cleared highways and arterial roads, and to major transit centers and park-and-ride lots.

Ballard

Bad Albert's Tap and Grill

5100 Ballard Ave. N.W.

782-9623

Happy Hour: 3 to 6 p.m. daily, $1 off appetizers, beers and well drinks on special.

www.badalberts.com

Thursdays, 8 to 10:30 p.m. No cover

Taste of the Blues, featuring Annieville Blues and her special guests

Sundays, 5 to 8:30 p.m. No cover

Bill Chism, Jazz and guitar