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• 12/Jefferson shooting reported: A 19-year-old arrived at Swedish First Hill’s emergency room just after 7 AM Monday with a gunshot police say he suffered in an incident at 12th and Jefferson. Details on the incident at this point are preliminary, but police say the male told investigators he was shot early Monday morning on the sidewalk near 12th and Jefferson near Seattle University. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening. Police have not yet released any suspect information in the shooting. Last week, a Seattle U student was stabbed in the chest in a robbery attempt on the campus on the southern edge of Capitol Hill. Earlier this month, a male victim arrived at Harborview following a shooting outside a 12th Ave restaurant.

We just received the following press release from Med Mix’s owner, Otmane Bezzaz, and wanted to relay his message to our readers in full:

Med Mix II, Corporation announced today it will not be reopening the Med Mix at 23^rd and Union in the aftermath of the arson fire last August.  The Company hopes to bring its unique mix of fresh Mediterranean food and American classics back to the CD soon, either at a new location or through delivery service from its restaurants in Pioneer Square.

“This was a very hard decision,” said Otmane Bezzaz, the owner of Med Mix II.  “From the first day we opened at 23^rd and Union the residents overwhelmed us with patronage, kindness and support.  After the fire, the entire community was so very supportive.  We are very grateful for that.”

Med Mix II made the decision earlier this week after resolving matters with its Landlord.  “We would have loved to stay,” said Bezzaz.  “But the damage from the fire was more extensive than initially thought.  Ultimately we could not justify the time and expense to reopen in light of the demands of our family and our other two restaurants.”

Bezzaz opened the original Med Mix over 15 years ago next to the J&M Café on First Avenue.  Last June, just two months before the arson, he opened a third Med Mix on Occidental Avenue one block north of Occidental Park.  Med Mix planned to use the larger food preparation and storage area at the Occidental location as a commissary for the smaller facility at 23^rd and Union.  “The CD was so good to us we needed more preparation space to meet the demand.”

Med Mix II opened in April 2012 and was immediately embraced by the Central District community.  The extensive damage from the arson-fire closed the restaurant down on August 12, 2013, less than a year and a half after it opened.  It has been closed for over five months.  The fire department’s investigation of the arson is still open.

With the fate of Med Mix II resolved, Bezzaz is now focused on other ways to keep Med Mix in the Central District.  The extra space at Occidental might become the base for a Med Mix home delivery service or a Med Mix food truck located in the CD.  Bezzaz is determined to find a way. “I moved into the building at 23^rd and Union because it was my dream to have a restaurant in the neighborhood where I live. The arsonist did not kill my dream.  If I made it work once I can make it work again.”

MedMix welcomes any suggestions or information Central District News readers may have about potential locations for a new Med Mix in or near the CD.

For further information contact:

Otmane Bezzaz at [email protected]; or

Nancy A. Pacharzina

Pacharzina Law, PLLC at 206-652-3530 or [email protected]

File photo: Damage from August’s arson fire of Med Mix.

Closed since the August fire and the subject of months of speculation, Med Mix at 23rd and Union is now officially gone. They vacated the building despite reports they were planning to reopen, and now building owner Ian Eisenberg is looking for a new tenant. He says he does not currently have plans for the building, just that he’s looking to lease it.

When we learn more, we’ll let you know.

Murray, dignitaries and the SPD brass (Images: CHS)

The 12th Man made a presence

Friday, dignitaries, students and the community filled Mt. Zion for the 40th year of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday at the 19th and Madison Baptist church.

53 years ago, King visited Zion pastor Reverend Samuel B. McKinney and spoke to thousands in Seattle. McKinney, now near 90, was on hand as usual Friday as newly elected Mayor Ed Murray and a full contingent of SPD brass including newly installed SPD Chief Harry Bailey attended the ceremonies inside the church.

Murray chose a reading from Maya Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning for his brief statement during the ceremony.

The theme of the 2014 event was “Six Words” and featured NPR’s Michele Norris whose Race Card project collects six-word statements from contributors about race and tolerance.

King was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39. He would have been 85 this year.

Area MLK activities continue through the weekend and into Monday’s official holiday as the annual march and rally starting at Garfield High School will this year also be invigorated by the push for raising the minimum wage in Seattle.

photo by Bianca J Smith

The Central District Flickr Pool contains hundreds of images of scenes in and around our neighborhood. Interested in being part of it? Check out the pool here. If we like your photo, we may feature it on the front page of Central District News!

photo by Bianca J Smith

Neighbors and Citizens:

 We are honored to have Cm. Kshama Sawant as our featured guest at our 6:30 PM January 23^rd EastPAC meeting!

 Kshama will speak about her vision for the issues most impacting working people, youth and the poor in our communities… From inadequate wages and skyrocketing rent, to cuts to Metro and other social services that disproportionately impact poor and working-class citizens.  She will also talk about the impact these cuts have on public safety and the importance of democratic public accountability addressing policing practices.  There will be plenty of time on the agenda for your questions and input, so don’t miss this important meeting!

Also, meet our new East Precinct Captain Mike Edwards!  We will begin with introductions and then EastPAC Board member Joanna Cullen will give a brief update on the Metro bus service cuts, followed by Cm. Sawant.

 EastPAC Community Meeting

Thursday, January 23rd, 6:30 to 8:00 PM

Seattle University, Chardin Hall, room 142

1020 East Jefferson (enter at 11^th and Jefferson, park free in front of building)

 Please be on time, as we will have a packed agenda.  I’m looking forward to seeing you all!

 Important reminder:

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S 2014 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Rise Up! Restore the Dream!

Monday, January 20, 2014, Garfield High School

400 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Attend the $15NOW! workshop and rally: http://15now.org/?page_id=152

http://www.mlkseattle.org/index.php