Yearly Archives: 2013

Mayor announces new health program for Bailey Gatzert Elementary

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gatzertMayor McGinn announced $3.2 million in funding for programs at Seattle Public Schools this week, including funding for a new health program at Bailey Gatzert Elementary.

With the announcement, Bailey Gatzert joins CD schools Madrona K-8 and Washington Middle School in receiving funds from the Families and Education Levy.

The new school-based health center at Bailey Gatzert aims “to provide access to physical and mental health services to students in elementary schools that serve populations with lower academic performance coupled with inequities in health access and outcomes,” according to a city press release. Neighborcare Health will provide the services.

More details on the new levy recipients, from the mayor’s office:

Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda, Beacon Hill International School Principal Kelly Aramaki, community leaders and local students and parents gathered at Beacon Hill International School today to announce a new round of Families and Education Levy investments in student programs for the coming school year. Continue reading →

Real Estate Trends in the 98122

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This is an update to my posting from last January.  In the last 30 days, 35 listings came online in the 98122 (for prices less than $800k) That is the most since October of 2010.  19 monthly listings is the median during the past 12 months.  Of the 35 listings that came oneline last month only 10 are currently for sale.

Prices in the Central Area are outpacing Greater Seattle. Median prices are up 13.9% in the past 60 days as compared to a year ago.  This compares to a 10.6% increase for Seattle that was recently reported by Case/Schiller.  Median price per foot is up 19.1% in 98122.  The price per foot is up higher because the smaller nicely-kept  entry level house in the Central District is pretty much at least $400k.  I remember turning down a listing a year ago that I knew I couldn’t sell for $350k but comps-out now over $400k.

I have been telling people to expect more inventory to come online as more people realize that they can sell their home for a profit.  Historically people only stay in their homes for around 5 years.  The current average is 9 years.  Only recently have people been able to sell at a profit if they bought 7 or 8 years ago.  I believe that more of these homeowners will sell their homes as they come to realize this.  I think that inventory will go up, price appreciation will continue upwards but not as steeply, and market times will increase in the areas close to Downtown.

The above information is for homes priced under $800k in the 98122 and is from sources I deemed reliable as well as from my own opinion.  Don’t rely on the accuracy of any of this information without independently verifying it yourself.  You can see my blog at www.DanSanchezRealtor.com

 

Leschi Elementary School Teacher Honored at CenturyLink Field Celebration

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Symetra-Hero-in-the-Classroom-Paul-Chappell-Leschi-Elementary-with-Seattle-Seahawk-Russell-OkungOn Friday afternoon, May 24, 2013, Bellevue-based Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored the 24 Puget Sound-area teachers who were recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2012 NFL season, at a special celebration at CenturyLink Field.

Among the 2012 honorees was Leschi Elementary School Physical Education teacher Paul Chappell, who has taught at the school for 30 years.

Jim Pirak, Symetra SVP, Marketing, and Mike Flood, Seattle Seahawks VP, Community Relations, hosted a luncheon in the Coach’s Loft, welcoming the teachers, their school principals and special guests, including Shauna Heath, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Seattle Public Schools.

Following lunch, the teachers received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which included taking in a view of the field from the press box. The festivities wrapped up in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate. Each teacher’s locker’s contents included a plaque commemorating his or her “Heroes” award and a copy of the May 24 edition of the Seattle Times, which featured a ¼-page ad saluting all 24 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recipients. Continue reading →

Volunteers needed to provide rides for Central District seniors

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Helen-and-Hilary_Full-LengthSenior Services’ Volunteer Transportation provides vital rides for Central District seniors. Using their own vehicles, volunteer drivers help older adults maintain their independence by taking them to necessary medical appointments. Clients appreciate their improved access to medical care, meaningful interactions with caring volunteers, and increased peace of mind. Unfortunately, the program does not have enough drivers to meet the demand for transportation from older residents of the Central District and surrounding Seattle communities.

This is a FLEXIBLE volunteer opportunity!  The program schedules on a week-by-week basis.  Volunteers need to have some weekday daytime availability, but it does not need to be consistent.   Drivers typically provide one ride per week, yet they can do more or less.

For those interested in helping out, call (206) 748-7588, email Hilary at [email protected], or visit www.seniorservices.org/transportation.  We also have a blog: www.volunteertransportation.blogspot.com.  Let’s “drive the distance” to ensure that older residents of our community don’t get stranded! Continue reading →

Security guard shoots man outside 23rd and Jackson Starbucks – UPDATE: He has died

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SPD and medics are responding to a reported shooting at 23rd and Jackson. There is at least one victim and police are searching area hospitals for a possible second person who may have been hit by gunfire.

Police have confirmed that one male has been shot. Seattle Fire is transporting the victim from the scene to Harborview.

UPDATE 5/29: The Seattle Times reports that the man died from his injuries. Homicide detectives are investigating the case.

A resident in the area reported hearing multiple shots just after 7 PM at the intersection near the Starbucks and the Red Apple grocery store.

This is a developing story and not all details have been confirmed with Seattle Police or Seattle Fire.

UPDATE: SPD says the shooting involved a uniformed security guard. There was a security guard at the scene when CDNews arrived, though we cannot confirm he was the guard involved. He appeared visibly shaken, though the area was very busy when we arrived and many people were clearly shaken by the incident on a busy CD block.

UPDATE: SPD spokesperson Jeff Kappel says a group of people were fighting in the parking lot on the east side of Starbucks. A uniformed security guard contracted to work the area approached the group and told them to leave.

As some in the group separated and began leaving, one man allegedly pulled out what appears to be a gun and pointed it at the people he had been fighting with. He then allegedly turned the gun on the guard, who fired and critically injured the man.

After being shot, he stumbled to the north side of the Starbucks, where he collapsed.

There were at least six bullet casings marked on the ground at the scene. It is unknown whether the man who was shot ever fired his gun (pictured below).

The guard surrendered to officers at the scene and is being questioned downtown.

Police gave no details or ages of those involved. They are asking for anyone who saw or knows anything to contact the Homicide Unit tip line at (206) 233-5000.

More details from the SPD Blotter:

Continue reading →

Hopscotch CD releases map, will attempt world record Saturday

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Image from Hopscotch CD

Image from Hopscotch CD

I hope you have been doing your hopping exercises, because Hopscotch CD is Saturday.

Almost two miles long, Hopscotch CD (a project led by Jackson Commons) will connect the neighborhood from Jackson to Union with community events, stands, garage sales and more along the way. There will also be a series of group walks through out the day (see the footprints on the map below for more details).

Although the map has been completed (again, see below), it’s not too late to get your things together to hold a garage sale, lemonade stand or just about anything you want along the route. It’s pretty DIY, so just set things up and get ready to meet a whole lot of CD neighbors.

If you want to be a part of hopscotch history (I know that’s been your lifelong dream), then be sure to get to the Centerstone parking lot (18th/Columbia) at 1 p.m. Saturday as you and many of your neighbors will attempt to break the world record for the number of people playing hopscotch at the same time.

Organizers tell CDNews that they are still looking for volunteer help, especially people who can help chalk the course Friday around noon and people who would like to help clean up after the event wraps up Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

Here’s the full map: Continue reading →

“book of the bound” extended to July 28th at NAAM

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Book-of-the-Bound-exhibitbook of the bound
by Carletta Carrington Wilson
December 15, 2012 – July 28, 2013

Carletta Carrington Wilson’s most-recent series of mixed-media collage layers symbols of language, silence, bodies, and bondage to honor the unheard voices of the enslaved.

The Northwest African American Museum 2300 S Massachusetts Street, Seattle, WA 98144 ( Parking is Free)

Free Cedar Grove Compost for CD Gardeners

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I have a huge surplus from my Cedar Grove compost order and would be very happy to share it with other CD gardeners.  There is approximately one yard left, and it free to anyone who wants it.  The address is 3017 E Cherry St.  It is the grey house on the southwest corner of 31st and Cherry.  The compost is in the driveway (on 31st Ave).  It is bulk, so if you don’t have a truck, you will need to bring bags to pack up what you need.

UPDATE: The compost is gone.  A huge thank you to those who came and took it away.

Seattle’s Harlem Renaissance Gala – “Meet at the Savoy”

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SHRGSaturday, June 29th is the 2nd annual Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI) Harlem Renaissance GALA and we want you to join the fun! Purchase a ticket for one or a table for 8 and be part of our circle of friends. Not only will it be a night to remember, but your GALA ticket will also help ensure a bright future for our youth artists!

Mix with Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday. Jackie “Moms” Mabley will be our celebrated HOSTESS and of course Langston Hughes will also be in attendance. We will hear from our young artists, have a great meal and adjourn to the theater for ‘star studded’ performances!

The success of the GALA Fundraiser helps young people create and own their artistic histories. Show your support for LHPAI’s Youth Performing Arts Academy and the Teen Summer Musical by registering today.

PLEASE JOIN US! We need you at the GALA to celebrate our heritages and to continue building a bright future for youth in the performing arts. Come to the TABLE!

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2013

Time: 6PM-9:30 PM

Location: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute | 104 17th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144

Honoree: Ms. Grace Holden

GALA Co-Chairs: Honorable Charles Z. Smith & Mrs. Eleanor M. Smith

Tickets: $100 per person

Purchase at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/383684

Info : www.langstoninsititute.org

Teen Summer Musical Auditions – May 29, May 30, June 1

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Youth ages 13-18 years (19 if still enrolled in HS) will embark on an intensive six week journey which will include an intensive Academy curriculum introducing youth to the fundamentals of Acting (anatomy, voice, improvisation, writing, and ensemble work), Movement (African, hip hop, break dancing, jazz, modern and ballet) and Voice (song). Students will be introduced to simple costuming and set design while highlighting the history of great African American artists. Student will work will culminate in a devised production that will be performed on stage!

Youth should be prepared to sing a portion of a song and perform a selected poem, monologue, or dramatic short story. Youth can bring their own material or use material provided at the audition.

Audition dates:

  • May 29 – 3-7PM
  • May 30 – 3-7PM
  • June 1 – 9:30-2:30PM

Summer Musical dates:

  • July 9 to August 18 (6 weeks)
  • Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 – 4 p.m

Fee: $165

For more information, contact: [email protected] or (206) 684-5741