Civic Minute December 20, 2014

12/20: SPD’s body camera pilot starts this weekend, Inslee proposes cap-and-trade & a capital gains tax, and more…

 

 

 

 

 

LAST WEEK IN SEATTLE:


Bertha stayed in the news…and trapped underground

Governor Inslee announced his proposed budget

SPD's body camera pilot moved forward

The Seattle Housing Authority decided not to raise its rents

  • SHA is a public agency that provides long-term low-income rental housing.
  • They'd proposed dramatic rent increases for current tenants.
  • In the face of near-universal opposition, they dropped that plan Wednesday. 

Pot watch: 2014

 
REAL ESTATE CORNER
From Wikipedia
Josh Cohen wrote a great affordable housing explainer for Crosscut on Monday that's recommended reading for anyone who's interested in issues related to housing affordability in Seattle today. As Josh says, "The availability (or scarcity) of affordable housing is literally shaping this city’s future, and to better understand this complex issue and its impact, you need to know how affordable housing is defined, why its shortage is being called a crisis and what city officials are doing to try to keep Seattle livable for everyone." This is your chance.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
1. The Port slowdown is negatively impacting Washington agricultural exports.

2. King County will be rolling out a new restaurant grading system next year.

3. A Third Place Books will replace Seward Park's Columbia City-bound PCC.

4. BMW's DriveNow is looking to join the Seattle car-sharing scene next year.

5. Paseo will be back, with a new owner but the same employees & recipes.

 
EVENTS THIS WEEK

 

 

Mexican hangover brunch

Through the end of the month, Monica Dimas from the Ethan Stowell family serves up a special menu designed to cure what ails you.

Nacho Borracho Saturdays from 12-3, Rhino Room Sundays from 11-4

 
An Earshot Jazz presentation, featuring a "jazz big band, vocal and instrumental soloists, gospel choir, and tap dancers" and inspired by the civil rights movement in the 60's.
 
12/20, 7:30 pm @ Town Hall Seattle; $14-36
 
Exactly what it sounds like.
 
12/20 & 12/21, 5:00 & 7:30 pm @ SIFF Film Center; $10-15
 
Perfect for anyone who's ever wanted to play around in a huge hotel room filled with teddy bears.
 
11am – 5pm M-Th, 10am – 7 pm Fr-Sun @ Fairmont Olympic Hotel; free
A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol

A long-running local alternative to the more traditional Christmas shows in town.

Fri-Tues, 8:30 (7:00 Sun) through 12/27 @ Unexpected Productions; $15

 
Because nothing says "Christmas" like a bunch of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs stomping around the Tacoma Dome.
 
12/20 & 12/21, multiple times @ Tacoma Dome; $20-105