February 2020

by Jean Godden

Seattle's tolerance for newcomers toting umbrellas has been tested recently by the number of Amazon employees seen toting oversized orange and white golf umbrellas on city sidewalks.

Those bumbershoots, picked up from buckets at building exits, stretch some five feet in diameter. Not only do they commandeer large swaths of narrow sidewalks, but to make matters worse they're lethal. The fearsome ribs seem designed to poke out eyes and stab cheeks and earlobes.

The giant rain deflectors shield company workers and, in many cases, also shelter their dogs. Those pampered canines, some fully outfitted in doggy rain wear, are kept dry while they attend to their business, peeing on Seattle sidewalks. It's enough to raise the hackles of even the most welcoming Seattle locals.

Seemingly every storm that comes through does so from the Southwest and hits Three Tree Point in Burien first. Friday night was no exception as 235 homes were without power at the point and along Maplewild  Street. 

City Light estimated that power would be restored by 1am but high winds with gusts near 40mph were predicted to last until possibly 2am.

More outages around the City Light Service area were possible as the wind continued.

Check the System Status here. The updates can be delayed by as much as 20 to 30 minutes following restoration.

Information from Ballard Performing Arts

Join us for young talent in the making as Ballard High School’s award-winning Jazz Band 1 takes the stage as one of five bands selected to perform in Starbucks 25th annual Hot Java Cool Jazz performance at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, March 27.

By Jennifer Danner

Seattle Police Southwest Precinct

Crime Prevention Coordinator

The City of Seattle is seeing a spike in auto theft incidents, and in an effort to impact this- the SW Precinct would like to remind our community members of the following auto theft prevention strategies. Please share these with your neighbors, friends, Block Watches and community groups. 

 -Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’ to warm up the vehicle in cold weather, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600)

-Remove remote garage door openers, key fobs and key cards from vehicle

-Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home

-Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked

By Ken Robinson

Managing Editor