Last Week in Seattle
SPD's video-redaction hackathon was a success
- The department has hundreds of thousands of hours of dashcam video footage.
- Body cameras, which are being piloted now, will add even more to that.
- Lots of people file public disclosure requests to see portions of that footage.
- Redacting personal information first is a huge job; SPD wants to automate it.
The tunnel's release date got bumped back to August of 2017
- The project's original targeted completion date was December of 2015.
- That was pushed to November 2016 after Bertha ground to a stop last year.
- The new date reflects the challenges still ahead in the rescue effort.
- On the plus side, though, building damage in Pioneer Square isn't as serious as it appeared to be last week.
Composting food is no longer optional
- A new ordinance prohibiting food waste from the garbage takes effect Thursday.
- You'll need to use a green compost bin instead.
- Something similar has been in effect for recycling and yard waste for 10 years.
The State's ban on 'psychiatric boarding' went into effect
- The term refers to holding mentally ill patients against their will (generally in emergency rooms) without providing treatment.
- The state supreme court declared the practice illegal in August.
- 152 additional psychiatric beds have since been funded to address the problem.
The West Coast port slowdown may go to federal mediation
- The management association & the union that represent ports from Los Angeles to Seattle have been in contract negotiations since May.
- Productivity has dropped 60% at the affected ports since Halloween.
- Management has asked for federal mediation; the union will have to agree, too.
Real Estate Corner
Image from the Puget Sound Business Journal
According to data from Apartment Insights Washington, rents in the Seattle area rose 8% in the last year to just over $1300/month but fell slightly from Q3 to Q4. 9,551 new apartment units hit the market in 2014, vs. just 5,223 in 2013; we're on track for 12,273 new units in 2015, which should lead to a smaller increase in rents next year along with a moderate increase in vacancy rates.
Miscellaneous
Image from The Seattle Globalist
1. You can now reserve a spot on car ferries to the San Juans for trips starting 1/5/15.
2. Ark Lodge Cinemas in Columbia City is showing The Interview.
3. Nate Silver thinks the Seahawks might be one of the best teams in history.
4. Seattle Yellow Cab released an Uber-like smartphone app for iOS and Android.
5. A voluntary Snoqualmie Ice Cream recall led to temporary Molly Moon's closures.
6. Bumbershoot has been saved after OneReel cut a deal with AEG Live.
Events This Week
Moisture Festival New Year's Eve Extravaganza
Ring in the new year with a special Moisture Festival variety show, treats from Pecado Bueno, and a champagne toast at midnight.
12/31, 7:30 pm @ Hale's Palladium; $75
Hazardfactory Presents: Science Fair 2015
A Burning Man-style new year's celebration featuring fire dancers, flaming tetherball, and more.
12/31, 8:00 pm @ Hazardfactory; $25-30
The Moth StorySLAM
True stories, told live, without notes. Sign up to tell your own story, or just listen to what others have to say. The theme for the night is "cravings."
1/2, 7:00 doors/8:00 show @ Fremont Abbey;$8 [sold out–rush tickets only]
Sound of Music sing-a-long
What better way to start 2015 off on the right foot?
1/2-1/4, 1:30 and 7:00 pm @ 5th Ave Theater; $33
All the Way & The Great Society
Seattle Rep's acclaimed two-play series about LBJ's first year in office (All the Way) and his second term (The Great Society).
Various dates and times through 1/4 @ Seattle Repertory Theater; both sold out, but rush tickets may be available
Sol Villarreal
Broker, Windermere Real Estate
sol@windermere.com
solvillarreal.com
206-765-6108
