The big day for little Videré was supposed to be August 1st but large media says the opening has been delayed until this weekend. The biggest unit in the apartment complex at 23rd and E. John is less than 200 square feet. Rents run from between $425 and $675. It’s a student and young worker’s dream apartment as long as you don’t mind six parking spaces for more than 40 units.

Neighbors weren’t so sure about the plan when they first heard about it. Now that people will actually be living in it, it will be interesting to see the impact this type of housing has on the area. Expect Crush won’t have a lot more reservations, but the Bottleneck Lounge and the newly opened Cafe Char might enjoy the new foot traffic. And a few more people on the bus won’t be a bad thing. Keep us posted on the parking. Here’s hoping the new tennants have someplace to keep a bike.

Tomorrow I’m going to be interviewing Wyking Garrett, a Central District native looking to make Seattle a better place as Mayor. He had the crowd cheering at the forum at Mt. Zion, and had quite a following at last weekend’s Umojafest, but I’m looking to bring out the real local boy in him, and I want your help.

Post your specific, CD related question ideas in the comments, and I’ll add them to my list for the interview tomorrow morning.

From the story in the PI blog: http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/175606.asp. The best way to minimize cuts in our neighborhood is to comment early and often to the County as they work on the details of this plan. If you post a comment here, be sure to also send it to the County: http://info.kingcounty.gov/about/contact/default.aspx

Here’s the full County proposal: http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/news/release/2009/August/6Tri

Being vegetarian, Ethiopian is one of the friendliest ethnic cuisines for us to enjoy. We are longtime fans of Queen Sheba, but having heard good things about Adey Abeba, we decided to give this walkable restaurant a try yesterday.  Adey Abeba has nice curb appeal, and the inside has a cheery coat of light yellow paint.  Ethiopian art bedecks the walls and ivory cotton curtains with a subtle print drape windows left open to a gorgeous evening yesterday.  The restaurant gets its name from an Ethiopian flower, the Meskel Daisy.  Staples of a family-run ethnic restaurant abound at Adey Abeba: silk flowers, television tuned to Wheel of Fortune and occasional confusion during guest-host exchanges.  We each had a “Vegi Combination” ($10) served in the same platter which consisted of split peas sauce, red lentil hot sauce, shiro wot (ground peas spiced with berbere, seasoned with onions, garlic, and ginger), cabbage, salad and collard greens.  We did not spy alcohol on the menu, but when we inquired about beer and wine, we were told that St. George beer ($3 per bottle!) was available.  Unfortunately, they were out of Tej (honey wine).  Adey Abeba’s “Vegi” plate is as flavorful as Queen Sheba’s but has more variety in terms of the types of stews served.  We will definitely return – perhaps to try their breakfast offering.  

The city has been working on an administrative design review process to improve the design of townhouses (all those 4-packs and 6-packs you see around), and the first ‘pilot’ of this project is planned right here in our own little neighborhood! It won’t go to the Design Review Board, but it will be reviewed by the DPD planner for design review. It’s in the early stages of review with the city and there will be public notice later (hopefully with some graphics). The developer has proposed 4 townhouses with rooftop decks at 119 15th Ave (between Yesler & Fir). There’s a brief description here: http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=301

On Saturday we pulled out our old lettuce and other crops that were done.  We added compost and turned over the soil.  Then we seeded the following lettuce, kale, carrots, peas, beets, radishes, and more.  All are supposed to make good fall crops.  And the lettuce started coming up after only 3 days.  Sorry I don’t have any photos.

So get out there now and in a few weeks you’ll be eating more lettuce from the garden.

I just found this story in the Times referencing the CDN’s coverage of the block parties. I thought it was pretty cool that the Times referred readers to CDN’s website for details. Another testament to CDN’s great work.

It seemed like every street between Union and Cherry was blocked off for a night out party, and staring at the event map put together before last night was quite daunting. But each party I visited last night was as unique and popular as the last; CD definitely capitalized on this great opportunity.

There was a lot of food, a few fire truck showings, and even live music down on 18th Ave. A few gatherings had name tags for quick meet and greets, and all had at least a little wine. Check out the pictures and find your block party.

(Photo: Lucas Anderson/Neighborlogs.com)

(Photo: Lucas Anderson/Neighborlogs.com)

(Photo: Lucas Anderson/Neighborlogs.com)

(Photo: Lucas Anderson/Neighborlogs.com)

(Photo: Lucas Anderson/Neighborlogs.com)

(Photo: Lucas Anderson/Neighborlogs.com)

Like many of you, I’m a regular CDN reader and occasional contributor via comments and the rare post. I logged on this morning expecting to see a story from Scott reporting on the Night Out block parties. There would definitely be pictures, probably reports for a few different parties, and perhaps a small aside about the newshound snagging a spare hot dog.

I was not expecting the headline “Matt Durham, 1979-2009.” CDguy’s tragically unexpected death was the lead news; Scott’s beautiful brotherly tribute was the story; and four dozen and counting condolences and tributes from readers were the beginning of the epilogue.

I don’t know much about the Durham brothers. I didn’t even know there were brothers at CDN world headquarters until a few minutes ago. I’ve met Scott a few times at the Bottleneck, and I’m pretty sure I’ve never met Matt. But I’m crying now at this news. Why? Because Scott and Matt are both an important part of my weekday life. I log onto their work almost daily. CDNews connects me to my neighbors and is part of my neighborhood. Because I admire their work ethic, their commitment to a new kind of community organizing, and their wit. And maybe because I have a beloved sibling myself, and Scott’s loving tribute did what his best stories on here do – it made me stop and think about how we’re all connected.

So what does a community do in the face of such a loss of one of its members? It steps in to support those close and to honor the lost.

CDN readers, can we do this?

If a close neighbor or friend could find out any specifics about how we could tangibly help Scott and Ray, that would be great. Certainly ones among us could cut grass, walk the dog, bring over food, or do other tasks to make their lives a little easier right now. Given the affection that people seem to hold for this crew, I imagine and hope that those closest will be doing these things.  If there’s a need beyond the close circle, please let us know.

For the wider community, let’s think of this tragedy as a call for stepping up our own contributions to the CDNews. The best tribute I can think of is contributing to the site with extra vigor for the next few days and weeks. Post your NNO pictures. Follow up on a neighborhood story and write a real article. Take the time to note things happening around the CD. Perhaps someone out there could even serve as our scanner reporter for a few days. In Texas and around US, a death in the family often means a flood of casseroles from the friends so that the grieving have something to eat and feed others.  Contributions could be our casserole dishes.

These are just the thoughts that came immediately to mind. Certainly you all have others. What can we do as support and tribute?

Thanks for reading! -Jennie