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Our friends at PubliCola did the heavy lifting by attending last evening's public forum debating Tim Burgess's proposal to crack down on aggressive panhandling.
My view on the legislation is that it's legislation. What, huh? Legislation is visibly ineffective (as all Belltowner know) to curb crime on its own. Dealing drugs, taking dumps on sidewalks, and public drunkenness are already crimes. What Belltown needs is an increased enforcement of existing legislation. However, I believe some trust of an elected official is actually warranted in this case. Tim Burgess is a former Police Officer. He knows way more than I do about what is tying the hands of police with regards to enforcement. If this is another quiver in an officer's arsenal of existing laws that they feel is required, then I'm all for it. As for Tim Harris, way to go out on a limb and stereotype an entire community. Yeah, we're all rich condo owners who wish we had a human sized hamster ball to hide in while we walk down the street. Give me a break Tim! Don't patronize the folks who are walking these streets on a daily basis. Most of us support Real Change. That's why they're there. Totally ignoring the issue of aggressive panhandling and intimidation would be an exercise in ignorance. 
Belltown recently welcomed Ventana to the neighborhood. Personally, I was a bit under enthused and managed to walk by this restaurant for the last couple months. I couldn't put my finger on it, but there just wasn't really a compelling reason to venture inside. In fact, it always seemed like the place was near empty. Well, we decided to finally give it a shot last Friday night and were seriously blown away. We will be returning on a regular basis without doubt! Here's our top three reasons why you really ought to give Ventana in Belltown a shot; 1) It's pretty cheap. - swing by for a happy hour. It's probably the best food on 1st during happy hour, and the cocktails are amazing. My wife and I were surprised to see how affordable the happy hour menu was. Ventana is now on my top 3 after work happy hour joints. 2) Get 50% off - Check out tumblr. If you buy $25 worth, you'll get $55. Be quick, there's only 3 lett. 3) Dinner was awesome - I can vouch for the NY strip - it was cooked to perfection. Trina had the spare ribs and they were so good she refused to share. We were feeling pretty unadventurous and tried the cheese plate (hard to jack up) and the truffled popcorn (yay, fun.) 4) Service was impeccable and the view is amazing. Tip, get there right around dusk, grab your pick of the tables, and watch the sunset over an appetizer. Boom. FOUR reasons you ought to take that special someone out on a date and surprise them with a beautiful dinner at Ventana. Let me know how you liked it. Maybe we ought to throw a belltownpeople happy hour there sometime soon! 
If you are a Seattlite, I am sure you know at least one Michigan transplant. It is no secret that the State of Michigan, and Detroit in particular, has been one of the hardest hit by our recent economic crisis. Michiganders are moving out of the state in droves to find better employment opportunities and many find their way to the Seattle area. I am one of these many Detroiters now located in Seattle and while I love it here so much, every now and then I need a reminder of home. I get so excited when the Tigers or Lions play here (miss those Pistons coming here!!) and love catching sports games, Detroit bands, amongst other Michigan things with my fellow Michigan transplants. Well, I can add two more taste of home to my list… Coney Dogs & Vernors cocktails! Now if you have yet to try a Detroit Coney (also, sometimes referred to as a Michigan Coney) you are in for a treat. You start with a Koegel Hot Dog, top it with Detroit style chili (bean free), diced white onions and top it off with yellow... An evening of networking and promotion for merchant neighbors in Belltown.. Neighborhood Belltown businesses are invited to display products and share ideas with fellow merchants by setting up mini-shops at Salon Ciba, located at 2301 1st Avenue. There is no cost involved. Already on tap: demonstrations of hair styles/color/trends, massage, health, beauty, private clubs, photography, clothes and more. Kevin Givens, a nationally-known motivational speaker, will be discussing the value of merchants networking. Among the event’s other highlights is a short film presented by Jeff Newsom, Founder and President of AShirtBag, a non-profit organization focused on curbing waste in our environment. Jeff’s company will give away items (while supplies last) made of earth-friendly materials including Tree-in-a Box kits, light bulbs and tips on seven things you can do in the next seven days to save the Earth. The upbeat theme for the evening is LOVE PEACE PLANET – BELLTOWN. It’s a great opportunity... You might have passed by this shop walking around Belltown and wondered to yourself, how in the world are they staying in business?
Councilmember addresses growing street disorder Proposals increase police presence, tighten laws and improve services Seattle – Councilmember Tim Burgess unveiled a package of proposals this morning to address street crime and disorder. The announcement came during a Public Safety Forum hosted by the Downtown Seattle Association at the Market Theater. “The problems on our streets are complex and require a continuum of response,” said Councilmember Burgess. “None of these proposals by itself is the solution, but taken together they will help improve the quality of life for everyone on our streets.” The proposals include a call for more fixed-beat police foot patrols, continued hiring of police officers to fully implement the Neighborhood Policing Plan, well-defined restrictions on aggressive solicitation, expanded scope and better coordination of street outreach services and more housing with onsite supportive social services to those in need. “I want our downtown to be economically strong and safe for everyone. That’s important to our nearly 1,000 formerly homeless Plymouth residents living downtown....
Councilmember Burgess’ proposals fairly balance a police response with a social services response to enhance safety downtown. We at Plymouth Housing Group welcome these ideas,” said Paul Lambros, executive director of Plymouth Housing. Over the past several months City Councilmembers have received numerous comments from residents and business owners about the negative effects of street disorder on the economic health of their neighborhoods. “Pioneer Square business owners and residents are very concerned about street crime and disorder. This part of downtown is teetering on the edge and the City should be forceful in its efforts to make our streets safer for everyone,” said Lisa Dixon, program director of the Pioneer Square Community Association. A 2009 survey of city residents found that nearly one-quarter avoid downtown because they fear for their personal safety. Major crimes in South Lake Union and the downtown core increased 22% from 2008 to 2009. Retail and entertainment businesses are feeling the effects of decreased patronage. "The nightlife and music industry want more police officers on our streets. We want aggressive solicitation stopped. Our customers and neighbors need to feel safe on our sidewalks as they enjoy our vibrant nightlife. These proposals are certainly a step in the right direction," said Mike Meckling, president of the Seattle Music and Nightlife Association. More information on these proposals, including a detailed summary and frequently asked questions, is available at Councilmember Burgess’ city Web page, http://www.seattle.gov/council/burgess/. Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and Webcast live on the City Council’s website at www.seattle.gov/council. Copies of legislation, archives of previous meetings, and news releases are available on www.seattle.gov/council. Follow the Council on Twitter at twitter.com/SeattleCouncil and on Facebook at Seattle City Council. 
Bring your Seattle Cellars tasting glass and come join us this evening, Thursday, February 25, from 5 - 7pm, as we present Red Hot Deals from California! Our friends to the south have come up with some delicious value selections, including two of our current Fab Finds under $15, so tonight is the time to stop by and stock up!
Other upcoming events:
We look forward to seeing you!
Seattle Cellars, 2505 2nd Avenue at Wall St., Belltown, Seattle (206) 256-0850. 
Ari Shapiro, one of only a dozen or so “Masters of Whisky” in the U.S., takes Ventana on a five-course taste tour of the world's best single malts paired with Chef Joseph Conrad’s New American cuisine, Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. Explore such renowned brands as Dalwhinnie, Singleton, Oban, Talisker, and Lagavulin. Ari will explain how “whisky” has become a catch-all term to encompass bourbons, ryes, Canadians, blended Scotch, as well as this evening’s focus: single malt Scotch. In this tasting, discover how color can help determine the flavor intensity, the aroma, and finish of each whisky poured. In his selections you’ll experience the complexity of flavor and the long finish people seek out in a single malt Scotch. Menu includes:
1st course: Butternut squash gnocchi with braised endive, caramelized turnips, and a balsamic and lychee reduction; served with Singleton 2nd course: House smoked Sockeye salmon with mocha Israeli cous cous, glazed apples, and walnuts; served with Talisker 3rd course: Seared artisan duck breast with black bean puree, cocoa duck jus, and roasted Meyer lemon; served with Dalwhinnie 4th course: Smoked pork belly with miso butterscotch, cherry, and frisee; served with Lagavulin 5th course:(dessert): Oban ice cream with burnt orange and star anise caramel, pecan; served with Oban $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 21 & Over. Call (206) 441- 4789 to secure your reservation and for additional details. 2323 1st Avenue Seattle; http://ventanaseattle.com. Show Title: Trombones Bleu Show Duration: February 12 – March 7, 2010
Matthew Kandegas exhibits his third and final solo show at Form/Space Atelier. Kandegas moved to Vaasa, Finland January 1, to join an intentional community of Suomi (Lapplanders) endeavoring to re-establish Suomi customs, language and culture in an urban milieu ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korsholm ). The community has built in the city a lichen farm, which, as fodder, will sustain a herd of caribou. Kandegas will retain representation by Form/Space Atelier at the request of his collectors located in Seattle, though as of press time, Kandegas was unable to say whether he would continue to create new paintings while in Finland, but said the move to Scandinavia was “permanent and irrevocable…”. Matthew Kandegas has been described as a Post-Minimalist painter, his subjects have been figural in response to stadium rock, but in the last decade he has created only images of paperclips. Curator Paul Pauper discovered Kandegas during research for organizing... Coming to the Gilt Edge Society Salon, March 12th, for a month long show featuring over 40 reasonably priced pieces of TV-TommyVision’s work, meet the artist from 6pm-8pm during BAWM, Belltown Art Walk & More!
TV-TommyVision This self-taught “Outsider Artist” creates mixed media mosaics with images evoked from his fantasies, daydreams and nightmares. TV uses a vast array of materials including broken tile, stones, coins, sea glass, river rocks, glass globules, seashells, glass jewels, pieces of metal, slate, stained glass, broken dishes, terra cotta and sea stones, many of which he has found in his travels to 22 countries. He also paints on found canvas, metal trays, wooden dollies, satellite dishes and other found objects. visit TV-TommyVision’s Website >http://www.tv-tommyvision.net Gilt Edge Society Website>http://www.giltedgesociety.com New BAWMsite! Belltown Art Walk & More http://www.belltownartwalk.com 
This one from the SPD Blotter was just too good...
Hey, did you know that there's another Belltown out there? Looks like a swell place with a similar upswell of self made musical talent...
Last evening's Belltown Artwalk was a great time. We didn't have the time to swing through all the venues, but made sure to hit the highlights; City Hostel Seattle - JP. Farquar , Roq La Rue - Sarah Joncas, and Damaged Goods - Thanks for the margaritas Mark! Mark knows how to do an artwalk right. The shop is a must stop for all future artwalks; free beer, wine, margaritas, and munchies galore. Prediction - he'll be swamped in the coming months.
It's been a long while since we've performed our scientific appraisal of the Belltown Real Estate market. I was doing a little real estate surfing this morning and had to nearly Heimlich manuever myself after I came across the most expensive Belltown listing. Prepare yourselves; sit down, swallow your coffee, and prepare for a dose of humility. Belltown's Most Expensive Listing: $2.395 million Stunning, spacious, and light filled Penthouse with panoramic views of the Mountains, Water and City. Floor to ceiling windows...
Belltown's Least Expensive Condo - 179k Spacious open bedroom unit with updated bathroom and kitchen. One of the largest floorplans of its kind. All new stainless appliances in kitchen. Tile floor in kitchen and bath. Peek-a-boo view of sound/mountains. Well cared for unit; comes with 1 parking space.
Tonight's Belltown Artwalk looks like a great line-up of artists and new work. The complete listing of venues can be found here. Here's my top 3 picks and reasons why I'll be there tonight. 1) JP Farquar at City Hostel Seattle - Solo show from 5-9PM
2) Canadian painter Sarah Joncas and French artist Ciou at Roq La Rue - drinks and music from 6-9PM
3) Mirror Mirror on the Vain Wall - located near the front of the salon, is our version of a digital photo booth (behind a perfectly VAIN gold frame, of course) that lets you take your own picture + check it out on the spot on a touchscreen monitor. Don’t like your picture? Delete it + take a re-do if want to.
This is a tragic story. A young woman is ruthlessly beaten while three grown security guards do nothing but look on. Why? Because their contract states that the guards are to "observe and report" problems and not get involved. Why do we continue to employ ineffective mercenaries rather than increase the funds for REAL police officers to patrol our street and keep us safe? Belltown is contemplating the expansion of the MID. The same funds could put 10 additional Cops, with real powers, on the streets.
Kim's Homemade will begin a new late night "service" offering at Cafe Lieto lovingly called Biscuit Bitch. Kim promises to be serving "food your mom would want you to eat" until 2:30 am. Who knows if your mom would be alright with you hanging out with a biscuit lady past your bedtime though. Kim's biscuits look worth a nibble and at five whole dollars, it's not going to set you back too far to give them a try. 
The newly opened Key Bank had its first unsavory welcome to the neighborhood yesterday in the form of a robbery. Seattle Police are releasing few details beyond the description posted on their blotter;
DowntownKOMO was the first to report the story. Apparently the suspected robber boarded a Metro bus and sat down next to a KOMO photographer. Police boarded the bus shortly thereafter and calmly asked the man to exit the bus with them.
Do you like delicious muffins? Do you like helping people truly in need? Our friends at Queen Anne View alerted us to the fact that Macrina Bakery is donating all of their cafe profits for Wednesday the 3rd (TODAY) to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. Macrina in Belltown is located at 2408 1st Avenue. They'll be open until 7PM this evening. 
Thankfully, the ever astute folks at Mama's Mexican Kitchen on 2nd have understood Belltown's dire situation. We're running out of bars! The great bar shortage is upon us! Oh the horror, there's no place to get a little sip of the Devil's nectar around here! Running to the rescue is the opening of Papa's, a new bar in the back of Mama's. If you'd like to see some pictures of the cozy spot or get a glimpse of local artist Joey Nix's latest creation, swing over and "read all about it" from Lydia Heard - one of the PI's neighborhood bloggers.This new bar offers something different for Belltown. Instead of smelling like cheap cologne after a night of socializing, you can revel in the glorious aroma of re-fried beans. Mmm, lovely.
It's not all real esate doom and gloom here in Belltown. In fact, there's a new "start-up" headed to the fertile creative ground of Belltown. TechFlash has the scoop;
Where: 2821 2nd Ave., 6th Flr., Beaumont Room - Bay Vista Residential Tower (2nd & Broad) When: 7PM Who? - Bill Reddy, City of Seattle Nightlife Organizer - Jim Kenny, Seattle City Attorney's Office, Asst. City Attorney, West Precinct - Thomas James, State of Washington Liquor Control Board, Enforcement - Loren Richie, State of Washington Liquor Control Board, Enforcement The second Bell St. Park meeting was held this evening at the Olympic Sculpture Park's Paccar Pavilion. The first meeting was a raucous occasion. Most of the community came prepared to let off some steam about the continual drug dealing and crime problems that have plagued the neighborhood for the last couple of years. The first meeting was overwhelmingly focused on safety. The second meeting consisted of reviewing the basic design principles that SvR Design Company was utilizing as a basis for the first mock-ups that the public has seen of the park concepts. SvR presented two basic design strategies. The first they termed as "Sluicing". This is a throwback to the fact that Belltown used to be a massive hill until being sluiced into the ocean (Go Green Ancestors!). The second option was codenamed a much less phonetically catchy "Measured Improvement". At this point, I'm really not going to try and walk you through the design principles of each option. Check out the embedded flickr set that I dorkily took during the entire meeting. Just, keep in mind, that for some unfortunate reason the two options were mistakenly labeled opposite. Sluicing = the angular smorgasbord. Measured Improvement = the sensible right angle fest. Conclusion. The most important goal of this project should be to attract a steady stream of people. This is the key factor that will solve crime. Both options are going to have the same net effect on the amount of people walking through Bell Street. It is my opinion that either option will be a nice place to walk through. However, as we've all learned from the beautiful, yet ineffective Growing Vine Street, it doesn't matter if you have a bunch of fancy planters and Frank Lloyd Wright water features - it's not enough to get people to stick around. What we need is infrastructure which will enable economic development and new business. The better of the two options for this goal is the "Measured Movement" option. The Measured plan calls for large areas of community gathering spaces and expansive open spaces. This is wonderful. I love the design. The biggest gripe that I have, is that the whole damned project is on the wrong side o the street! Unfortunately, there is little room for businesses to move in and take advantage of the larger sidewalk space. So, kiss the dreams of expansive Las Ramblas cafe seating goodbye. I feel like an old codger who hasn't taken his fiber here. But, I really believe that this project needs to attract new business to be a true success. Otherwise, I'm afraid the fears of the community are correct. This project could be a massive opportunity pissed into the wind.
I know, I've been really slacking off and putting the honest job of neighborhood blogger to shame. But, lets be honest. How many ambulances can you chase down the street to get a couple pictures? Wait a second, we never even did that. But seriously, at what point does all that foolery just seem silly. That being said, it's just been super busy on the "real job" front. So, I've had to play loyalties with the job that actually brings home tasty bacon. Also, the holidays were awesome. Sometimes, it really does take a moment of reflection to figure out what's next and more importantly, what could be better? Here's some of the key issues that I'm hoping to solve in the re-launch of BelltownPeople.com
Those are the three big things. So hey, no promises, but we'll see what kind of changes and improvement we can scratch out over the next couple of days. Thanks for staying tuned in. As early as November, I was tasked to list the menu for our annual family noche buena. I remember mother telling me that it is best that I finish all my research papers before December comes as she really wants the table be filled with delectable dishes. My moms worry that I will not enjoy the December season if I will still busy on my writing services. This is because a lot of relatives usually come over all spend the dinner with us. And so I plan to make 3 roasted chicken or turkey as the main course. I will have mushroom and chicken soups, and tuna and potato salads as starters. I made it clear eversince that I do not allow iced tea on my menu. It is either fresh juice or mineral water for everyone's well-being. Wheat bread with slight butter will also be present in the meal. For desserts, we will have puddings, chocolate mouse, and cheesecake. Fruits will be served for the elders and those who are diabetic. I had been receiving e-mails and calls about the family affair and I am quite pressured right now.... |
