Fremont – My Ballard

Ballard preschool selected for city-wide program; Fremont preschool catches fire

Halynn Blanchard — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 18:05:16 +0000

At the beginning of the month, The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) Implementation was passed unanimously by the Seattle City Council. The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) selected only a handful of preschools to provide high-quality preschool services come September; of their selected locations is North Ballard’s Creative Kids (10525 3rd Ave NW).

Mayor Ed Murray announced the ten 2015/2016 providers and their locations on Monday, July 6. While two of the locations will hold two classes and serve over thirty kids, the majority– including the Northern Ballard provider– will hold just one class and serve 20 kids.

In choosing the program providers, DEEL involved a panel of City staff across departments and community members. On November 4, 2014, Seattle voters approved Proposition 1B (Ordinance 124509) which will fund the four-year demonstration phase of the Seattle Preschool Program, and build toward serving 2,000 children in 100 classrooms by 2018.

The SPP anticipates that enrollment for this first year will be limited, however all 4-year-olds in the city (regardless of income level) are eligible to apply. Additional information can be found online regarding Enrollment requirements and the program’s timeline.

SPP start-up timeline

Meanwhile, Fremont preschool Orange Tea School caught fire on Friday, July 10 at 5:30 a.m. Firefighters speculate that the misfortune, which started under the back deck frequented by transients, may have been due to a trespasser’s cigarette.

Fire crews responded to the flames without anyone getting hurt, however the pregnant owner Kerry McMannis, who operates the school and inhibits the building, was forced to flee during the incident.

The school at 3623 Fremont Ave N. is grateful of the encouragement it has received and intends on getting back on its feet. “The community is wonderful and everybody is just, ‘How can we help?’” said McMannis, according to a kiro7 news report.

Orange Tea students hosted a bake sale at the location yesterday from 3-5p.m. to raise proceeds for the recovery of their school. In addition to the impressive $744 raised at the bake sale, McMannis and Teacher Andrew Forrayi have started a gofundme campaign started in an effort to get the school up and running again and to provide childcare in the interim.

Orange Tea School fire damage/ Photo by kirotv

Donations collection for puppy mill dogs

Dale — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:52:14 +0000

Seattle Natural Veterinary Center at 65th and 8th Ave. here in Ballard is taking donations to help out the more than 600 dogs that have been rescued from suspected puppy mills in Skagit and Snohomish counties last month. All donations will be given to Saving Pets One at a Time (SPOT), a rescue organization in Skagit County, which is currently providing care for the majority of the rescued dogs. You can see a list of the most-needed items right here. You can also bring donations to Mud Bay Granary at 8211 Greenwood Ave. N.

Icy snow blankets area, school start delayed

Dale — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:37:15 +0000

A thin layer of crunchy, compact snow and ice is covering the area, especially East Ballard, Sunset Hill and Crown Hill.

Seattle Public Schools are running two hours late, there’s no kindergarten, Head Start or door-to-door programs today as well.

6:32 a.m. update: If you’re a Microsoftie, or otherwise heading to work on the Eastside, 520 across Lake Washington is closed due to accidents in BOTH directions. Check your traffic before you head into work today (as of 6:50 a.m., one eastbound lane is open, but traffic is very backed up).

Some Metro bus routes are on snow routes, but none are reported in our area so far. Despite that, Metro warns service could be slowed.

The debate continues: Frelard or Balmont?

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:58:45 +0000

Earlier this year we put the question to you – Is the gray area between Fremont and Ballard considered Frelard or Balmont? Today in the Seattle Times, they ask local businesses where they think they are. Anita’s Crepes (opening soon) says they’re in Ballard while right next door at the Traveler, they claim Fremont. According to City Hall that area is called “Interbay-Ballard.”

Burglars hit multiple Fremont businesses

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:04:54 +0000

Blue Flavor, a web and mobile design company based in Fremont, is one of several businesses that have been burglarized since the beginning of the year. In fact they’ve been broken into three times — the last two burglaries occurring within three days of each other in late August. “An alarm system alone is clearly not good enough to protect you,” says Blue Flavor’s Nick Finck, who says they’ve taken extraordinary steps to beef up security.

It’s all part of a burglary spree that was first reported back in July — as many as 45 burglaries in the Fremont area in one month alone, from Blue Moon Burgers to Quizno’s (pictured above in security video). An overnight burglary at Ballard’s TigerTail may be connected. And an email sent by the Fremont Neighborhood Council lists several brazen residential burglaries, too, some taking place while residents were asleep inside.

Seattle Police are being very tight-lipped on the burglary spree, which may or may not be the work of the same burglars. Renee Witt, a public information officer for the department tells us that they won’t release any information on whether these crimes are all connected or if there are any persons of interest. She says detectives don’t want to jeopardize the investigation. If you have any information on the case, you’re asked to contact the police department.

Two-story house moves across Fremont

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:51:24 +0000

A little after 2 a.m., a house pulled out of its parking spot on Palatine Ave. in Fremont and headed to its new home ten blocks away. Literally.

As you might imagine, it was a slow, painstaking process. The truck moved only a couple miles per hour, and it stopped every few feet as crews checked the house, surrounding trees and overhanging wires from every angle.

It moved down 36th St. and up Phinney Ave. to its new home at 4020 Evanston.

While it was scheduled to arrive at 7 a.m., crews began backing the house into the lot at 11 a.m. Lots more coverage and photos on Fremont Universe.

Our latest blog, FremontUniverse.com

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:55:17 +0000

We’ve received many emails over the last few months from our Fremont readers about expanding to their neighborhood. So we’ve launched FremontUniverse.com for the Center of the Universe. We’ll continue to post the occasional Fremont story on My Ballard, but everything else will go on Fremont Universe. And if you see something happening in Fremont, please drop us a line at tips@fremontuniverse.com. If you’re curious, by the way, this is our last new blog for the immediate future.

By the way, we’ll be on a City Club panel this Thursday evening with a few other neighborhood bloggers. More info here.

Boutique switch-a-roo in Ballard, Fremont

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:30:09 +0000

If you look in the windows of what used to be Olivine along Ballard Ave., you’ll see bare floors and empty walls.

The popular boutique in Old Ballard closed late last month. The owner moved to Fremont and just opened a new shop called Show Pony on 36th St.

And now a Fremont boutique is planning to move into Olivine’s empty space. Horseshoe is a women’s boutique on 35th St. (photo above) that’s busting at the seams. When it’s owner, Jill Renae Anderson, heard that Olivine was closing, she jumped at the chance to move into the larger space. She plans to close the Fremont shop at the end of the month and open in Ballard in October.

Update: While Show Pony appeared to be open when we went by on Labor Day, the website and voicemail both say the boutique will open on the 13th.

A dumpster-free Fremont? Maybe.

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:33:22 +0000

To curb drug use, drug dealings and other crime in alleys, Mayor Greg Nickels is proposing a dumpster-free downtown. Starting in the spring, the downtown area may test a program that will replace trash bins with colored plastic bags for recycling and waste. The plan is to then expand to other neighborhoods such as Fremont. Businesses have concerns that range from cost ($5 a bag) to the mess caused from rodents and birds. Police, on the other hand, tell the Seattle Times that it makes the alleys safer, “from a public perspective, it looks safer. They can see what they’re walking into.” Lt. James M. Fitzgerald says.

A dumpster and assorted trash across from the Rocket.

Starbucks officially unveils the Clover

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:09:10 +0000

Up until now, Starbucks was silently testing the Clover in three Seattle stores. Now, the Ballard-made specialty coffee machine is available in ten local Starbucks stores — but not in Ballard, Fremont, Phinney Ridge or Greenwood. (The closest are in Green Lake and Queen Anne.) If you want Clover coffee in Ballard, Aster on 24th near Market St. remains your only choice.

Fremont Oktoberfest tickets on sale

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:53:19 +0000

Fremont Oktoberfest is quickly approaching (it’s in September, not October, you know), and advance tickets have gone on sale. This year, there are a few new twists to Fremont’s annual event including the Miss Buxom contest (“all contestants must be dressed up in funky, fun German attire”) and the BMX keg jump. Sounds like a party. As always, there’s a full line-up of bands, a comedy show, the Brew HA-HA 5K Run and Walk and lots and lots of microbrews. Mark your calendar for September 19-21st, and get tickets here.

Fremont house saved, to be moved 10 blocks

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:34:39 +0000

That former bed-and-breakfast on Palatine in Fremont will be saved from demolition crews and moved to a new lot.

Musician Steven Flynn scrambled to secure the financing and permits to move the home 10 blocks away. He’s tearing down his small, flimsy home on the lot to make room for the new arrival. The developers were scheduled to demolish the home a week and a half ago, but they cooperated with Flynn to make it happen. The move will take place 2 a.m. on September 7th.

Burbank, Carlyle proceed to general election

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:00:46 +0000

As of 2:30 a.m.the results of the “top two” primary are: John Burbank, 42.21%, Reuven Carlyle, 41.53% and Leslie Bloss, 16.26%. As expected, Burbank and Carlyle are neck-and-neck, and the ...

The scoop on Nana’s Soup House

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:45:02 +0000

Nana’s Soup House, a popular soup and sandwich joint in the U-District is packing up and moving to Fremont. The gal who answered the phone told us that the owner ...

Parking in Fremont may cost you

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:52:28 +0000

After the Seattle DOT conducted a couple of parking studies in Fremont, they confirmed what many of us already know – there’s never any parking in Fremont. The two studies, done in 2005 and 2008, found that the majority of blocks were more than 75% full most of the day. Now the city wants to change the parking structure in the neighborhood. They’re proposing 2-hour paid parking in the core of the business district, 10-hour parking on the outskirts and residential parking zones. A map of the proposed changes is here. Whether you’re for the changes or against them, the city wants to hear from you by October 3. Call or email project manager Stephanie Parkins at (206) 684-8186 or stephanie.parkins@seattle.gov. (Thanks Theresa for the tip!)

Big crowd for J.P. Patches statue unveiling

Gladys — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:11:59 +0000

Hundreds of Patches Pals flocked to Fremont today for the unveiling of the J.P. Patches statue, “Late for the Interurban.”

There were lots of people who grew up in the Seattle area who loved watching JP Patches during the show’s run on KIRO from 1958 to 1981.

Governor Gregoire, Congressman Jim McDermott, King County Executive Ron Sims were among the politicians on hand for the ceremony.

The crowd was filled with Patches Pals who wore red noses to honor JP (chris Wedes) and Gertrude (Bob Newman).

The statue was designed by a local artist Kevin Pettelle. And… here it is…

JP and Gertrude were mobbed by the crowd as they unveiled the statue while the news media and the rest of us tried to get a photo of the pair. The permanent statue is located just east of the Waiting for the Interurban statue on 34th Ave in Fremont and is a collection site for donations to Children’s Hospital.

Hours after the ceremony crowds were still milling around and taking pictures at the statue.

Memorial grows at chopped Fremont tree

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:54:18 +0000

A week ago, workers severely trimmed a weeping poplar tree in Fremont, days after the tree received “Heritage Tree” status from the city of Seattle.

The tree lives on the border of two properties. One side is owned by Patricia Halsell, who nominated the tree for Heritage status. The other by business owner Dan Cawdrey, who ordered workers to cut down the massive branches on his side of the property because he said he was worried someone would get “hurt.” The branches hung over a pay parking lot.

This weekend, a memorial of candles, flowers and messages is growing around the base of the tree. We spoke to Halsell and another neighbor, who said Cawdrey worked quickly to trim the tree after he learned it was nominated.

For his part, Cawdrey told the PI that he loves trees and was sorry, but “let’s move on… the tree is still here.” Perhaps not for long. The Seattle city arborist says it may not survive the drastic trimming.

Sunday is J.P. Patches Day

Dale — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:44:55 +0000

A statue honoring Chris Wedes, better known as the clown who has entertained generations of Seattle-area kids, is being unveiled at a celebration from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, in Fremont.

Any kid living in Seattle from 1958-1981 grew up watching J.P. Patches and his sidekick Gertrude on TV. When J.P. and Gertrude make an appearance these days, it’s amazing to watch people 40+ years old act like giddy kids all over again.

In recognition of the pair’s impact on Seattle history, supporters have been working since 2005 to raise funds for a statue of J.P. and Gertrude. The statue sculpted by Kevin Pettelle, “Late for the Interurban,” will be unveiled next to Fremont’s “Waiting for the Interurban” near the north end of the Fremont Bridge. The event will no doubt be made all the more poignant by the fact Wedes is battling blood cancer.

Via Tribunali opening soon in Fremont

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:28:23 +0000

The popular pizzeria Via Tribunali on Capitol Hill and Queen Anne will soon open a Fremont restaurant, according to a liquor license posted outside an empty space along Fremont Ave. N. at 43rd, right next to Cafe Vita. It will also be next door to Rialto, a new Italian restaurant.

Via Tribunali specializes in wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza. We’ve eaten at the Capitol Hill location a couple times, and the pizza is excellent.

Murals popping up around Ballard, Fremont

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:03:03 +0000

You may have seen one of the new murals appearing around the neighborhood over the last three weeks, like this one on 45th and Leary.

There’s also one at 15th and Holman Road. On the Triangle Lounge in Fremont. At the Episcopal Bookstore along Stone Way. At Walt’s Automotive on 45th in Wallingford. One in Sodo. And this one on 49th, just east of the Ballard Bridge.

It’s all the work of talented artist Ryan Henry Ward, who took a quick break from his work to pose in front of his latest mural. He said he would whip up a mural for just about any business that asked for one. And in many cases, he’s doing it for free. (Although he said the Triangle paid him in beer.) “We think it looks terrific and brightens the commercial portion of our street,” writes John from the Episcopal Bookstore. (See photos of that mural here.)

When we caught up with Ward, he was even painting a mural on this truck. He said he’s doing it to get his name out there, as well as discourage graffiti. If you like Ward’s work, you can see his paintings at the Orange Splot Gallery in Fremont. And if you’d like to contact him about a mural, email him at ryan@lucibelle.com. After all, Ward says his goal is to paint 50 murals in different neighborhoods across Seattle. (Thanks John for the tip!)

Musician trying to save Fremont house

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:57:22 +0000

A keyboardist for the Seattle band Jr. Cadillac, Steven Flynn is working against the clock to save a house in Fremont from the wrecking ball.

Developers are slated to demolish the home as early as Wednesday, and Flynn is trying to secure enough financing to move it ten blocks away, reports the PI. The house is 100 years old and has an interesting history: it was recently Gypsy Arms, a bed-and-breakfast complete with an S&M dungeon in the basement.

The plot of land along Palatine just up from 36th is sandwiched between townhouses, and that’s exactly what developers are planning to build there. In fact, there are new townhouses springing up all over this part of Fremont. We’ll update you on what happens in Flynn’s quest to save the home.

Paseo to open Tuesday in Gordo’s spot

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:26:46 +0000

We saw on Ballard Gossip Girl as well as on our own Ballard Twitter page that Paseo plans to open tomorrow. Sure enough, we dropped by and talked to some folks who were working hard with last-minute preparations.

Paseo will open at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow at Gordo’s old location along Seaview. The Cuban sandwich shop will feature the same tasty menu from its highly-praised Fremont location. How good is Paseo? They usually win every “best sandwich in Seattle” contest, and it’s not uncommon to see long lines outside their Fremont location at lunch.

Hate crime at Fremont mini mart

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:39:21 +0000

Earlier this month, a man dressed in camouflage walked into M&S Grocery and Deli, called the clerk a terrorist and proceeded to hit him over the head with a can of beer, police say. The judge released him on his own recognizance, and he has since skipped his arraignment. Now there’s a warrant out for his arrest. The clerk, meanwhile, has moved to California after he saw the man two days after the assault a block away from the store. Prosecutors say this is the first case this year of a hate crime involving someone of Middle Eastern decent.

Coming soon to a store near you: 20 cent bags

Dale — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:23:41 +0000

The Seattle City Council has just approved a 20 cent fee on disposable paper and plastic bags which will take effect Jan. 1 at local stores, including Ballard Market and ...

Critical Mass turns violent on Capitol Hill

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:44:43 +0000

This is out of the neighborhood, but nonetheless interesting considering Critical Mass came through Ballard the last time around, resulting in quite the discussion here on My Ballard. Last night on Capitol Hill, Critical Mass cyclists surrounded a Subaru and assaulted the driver after two riders were hit. The sequence of events is unclear: did the driver hit the cyclists while attempting to escape? Or was the driver threatening them to begin with? One thing is clear, though. Tension between motorists and cyclists has been intensifying of late, especially as more people are riding their bikes to work.

Update: More details on what happened from the Seattle Times
Earlier this month: Bike road rage on Burke Gilman ‘missing link’

Bag fee going to a council vote

Dale — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:47:46 +0000

We had quite the discussion on this story a few weeks ago, so here’s an update. The full Seattle City Council is expected to vote Monday on a proposal to charge shoppers 20 cents for paper or plastic bags. If it’s enacted, Seattle would become one of the first large cities to push the use of reusable bags.

The proposal also includes a ban on plastic foam food containers and cups.

There would be a 90-day education program before the fees take effect at grocery, convenience and drug stores on Jan. 1st. More details here.

Short power outage near 6th Ave. station

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:01:14 +0000

A couple My Ballard readers said they heard a loud bang in the direction of the power substation between 6th and 8th Ave. Friday afternoon, and then the power went out. It came back on a short time later. We’re unable to find out a cause, but it does remind us of that suicidal raccoon who “bridged the gap” in transmission lines in the same substation back in May, cutting power for several thousand homes. (Thanks, Pioggia and jharpster!)

Designs for suicide-proofing Aurora Bridge

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:37:41 +0000

WSDOT has formed an advisory committee and released three designs for creating a fence along Aurora Bridge that’s designed to put a stop to suicides. Someone jumps off the bridge about once every three months. Today, a man put his leg over the bridge and threatened to jump before police talked him back from the railing. With that in mind, designers have created three different fence plans with different approaches to pedestrian lighting:

You can see more details in this .pdf file. The public is invited to attend the next committee meeting to review and provide feedback on the designs, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Thursday at the Phinney Neighborhood Center.

Designing the ‘gateway to Ballard’

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:54:44 +0000

A couple weeks ago, we posted the possible design of the new development going into 15th and Market, the plot of land that some refer to as the “gateway to Ballard.” Some readers said the generic-looking development doesn’t reflect the uniqueness of Ballard. While I was in Fremont this weekend, I took a photo of that neighborhood’s “gateway” — a relatively new development that was controversial when it was built, but has a little Fremont flair.

Does it look like Fremont? Could the same be done in Ballard? Does it matter?

Democrats still divided over Burbank vs. Carlyle

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:41:27 +0000

The blue and yellow campaign signs are everywhere in the neighborhood. Democrats John Burbank and Reuven Carlyle are vying for the state representative seat in the 36th district in a highly-competitive race. Last night, a meeting of voting Democrats was unable to reach a consensus on endorsing one of the candidates, reports the PI. With the state’s top-two primary a month away, both Burbank and Carlyle will likely make the cut and head into November, spending as much as a combined $500,000 along the way — an unprecedented figure for a state house race.