Back in the mid to late 90's, hundreds of Lake City residents and business owners worked many hours with the city to develop the Lake City Comprehensive Plan. The overarching theme of the plan was to “create an atmosphere of safety”. There was concern at that time that increasing density would bring urban problems to the area. The Plan was to mitigate them by providing physical improvements to our public areas and supporting positive commercial and recreational uses of our neighborhood.

Many of the requests were for sidewalks, open spaces, a new community center, ways of improving people’s perception of Lake City so they will get out of their cars and walk / shop, crime prevention through design, etc. All these are needed just as badly now as they were 15 years ago.

Public spaces are where we form connections with our neighbors and residents need to feel safe using them. The current conditions and perceptions of Lake City public spaces are often seen as an impediment to Lake City residents forming a sense of community... (more)

Saturday, February 9, 2013, marks Seattle's 19th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day.

This is a day when we can reach out, create new bonds, and express thanks to those who live or work around us.

The celebration began in 1995 when Phinney Ridge activist Judith Wood suggested that the City designate "a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other."

Seattle Mayor Norm Rice then proclaimed the Saturday before Valentine's Day as Neighbor Appreciation Day. The observance has grown every year since.

So what can you do on Neighbor Appreciation Day?

Here are some suggestions:

• Plan an activity for your neighborhood such as a block party, potluck, or work party. This website provides ideas, tools, resources, and templates to help community members organize an activity. Once scheduled, the event can be posted to the events calendar. 
• Attend one of the many community activities listed on the events calendar. Many Seattle Fire stations along with Seattle...

Families for Lake City has put together a post that explains the significant improvements Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 will have on Seattle Public Schools in Lake City. We are sharing their post here on Lake City Live.

The Building Excellence (BEX) Capital Levy (Prop 2) and the Operations Levy (Prop 1) will bring much-needed improvements to our neighborhood schools.

If approved, these two levies will be a continuation of expiring levies. If approved, these levies would cost the owner of a $400,000 home $13 a month over what the homeowner pays on the expiring levies. A simple summary of the two levies is available here.

Respective neighborhood groups Families for Lake City and Douglas Park Cooperative both ask you to vote YES for Proposition 1 and YES for Proposition 2 to help improve and invest in our public schools here in Northeast Seattle.

Below Families for Lake City explains how these levies will impact individual schools in Lake City.

What do these levies mean for Lake City area schools?

The Capital Levy... (more)

Recently our own Lake City North Helpline went through a crisis.

In December KING/5 reported that 2012 was the worst year yet for the food bank. They serve more than 1,700 people a week and giving from corporations and foundations was down. Donations at the time were also dwindling.

North Helpline Executive Director John Klevins looked at the numbers and realized something drastic had to happen for the organization to continue to operate. So he stopped drawing a salary in October and some staff took pay cuts so the emergency services and food bank could continue helping people in tough situations.

"This food bank is about love. This food bank is about transforming lives," Klevins told KING/5.

This week the organization sent out an update letter saying that because of an "inspirational" level of community support during the crisis, they have returned to their full array of food bank and emergency services.

But the letter also stresses the need for continued donations. 

"Of course, now that we have moved... (more)

Click this image to view larger and to see ideas for the skate park

Correction: An earlier version of this post had an incorrect number date. The meeting is in fact Monday the 28th.

Lake City community members will give a presentation to the Seattle Parks Department Levy Oversight Committee Monday evening, January 29th, to make a case for a skate spot at Virgil Flaim Park in Lake City.

A funding application was reviewed and scored and this presentation may be one of the last opportunities to make a case for funding for the neighborhood skate spot as it seems the funding may not be approved.

Here is how you can help:

Come to the Levy Oversight Committee meeting tonight, Monday, January 29th.

Visibly show your support for Lake City and a proposed skate spot.

Bring a skateboard, wear a LCW sticker from Elliott Bay, help make our community visible to the decision makers and let them know that a skate spot would bring much-needed life to a park that is often a hangout for chronic public inebriates.

The meeting... (more)

Some of the staff at Kaffeeklatsch celebrate the bakery/coffee shop's second anniversary with a party

On January 15th, Kaffeeklatsch celebrated their second anniversary as a fixture in our community. In the two years since the little neighborhood business has been serving steaming lattes and baking their tasty bread, they have helped to significantly change Lake City.

A message written during an anniversary party for Kaffeeklatsch.

Now we realize that is a pretty big statement to make about one small business in a neighborhood with an active business core. But Kaffeeklatsch has really become the "third place" that so many neighborhood businesses strive to become.

The community planning principle of the "third place" says that people have their home —their "first place"— their place of work —the "second place"— and the "third place" —a social gathering place separate from those other two environments.

Kaffeeklatsch has become for many in our community a third place, a hub where neighbors gather, interact, exchange... (more)

It is the unique, and even sometimes the odd, that makes a place interesting and defined.

Lake City has a few quirky and unique elements that help to define the neighborhood (although we could use many more).

The old bank facade, aka the "Arc de Lake City," at the Mini Park at 125th and LCW is one that comes to mind.  Also the giraffe near the intersection of 30th Avenue NE and LCW is an element that breaks up a drive along the arterial roadway.

The steel sculpture in front of the Verizon Wireless retail store and the boulders with fins in the median of LCW are works of art that help to give our neighborhood some character.

The almost iconic neon sign on Lake City Powersports and Dick's Drive-In's neon give a bit of color to our neighborhood during these dark and dreary days.

Well it seems we have another quirky thing to add to the visual elements that make LCW a bit different that the endless stretches of commercial-lined highways we all travel everyday.

This guy (above) has been making appearances on the... (more)

The Low Income Housing Institute’s volunteer-powered Computer Technology & Job Search Training Program needs your help! Formerly homeless and low income residents call daily to be placed on our growing waitlist for this program.

As a volunteer, you’ll spend time each week working with our residents one-on-one to help them find jobs and fill out applications while building skills around basic computer programs. Through this program you’ll get the opportunity to gain tutoring experience, share your skills and build relationships with your neighbors! 

Want more information or ready to sign up? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 206-957-8067 or volunteer@LIHI.org.

According to a January 14 post on Maple Leaf Life, "Seattle-based real estate site Redfin today named its top 10 hottest housing neighborhoods in the country for 2013. Eight of them are in California. One is in Chicago. The 10th is us, Maple Leaf, north Seattle. . . in 'N. Maple Leaf,' according to Redfin, prices are up 22 percent, year over year, and sales up 15 percent. Listings are down by 44 percent."

http://www.mapleleaflife.com/2013/01/14/maple-leaf-named-one

Could this bode well for us other North end neighborhoods? Time, and the market, will tell. 

On Wednesday, January 9th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be a meeting at the Lake City Community Center where Seattle's Department of Planning and Development will hold an open house for public comment and review of the Valor Apartments.

The proposed housing facility on 33rd Avenue NE is intended to house veterans with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and drug addiction.

The facility has some in Lake City concerned about concentrating people with substance abuse problems and mental illness in an area that is already housing vulnerable populations.

Here is a letter to Seattle City Councilmembers written by a member of Douglas Park Cooperative, one of the community groups that have highlighted concerns about the facility. The letter includes maps and information arguing against the proposal.

All are invited to the Wednesday meeting to share comments with planning officials about the proposed facility.

On Sunday KOMO News published a story about a temporary, rotating winter homeless shelter run by Union Gospel Mission coming to churches in Lake City and Shoreline.

And according to the KOMO story the coming shelter is a surprise to some in the Lake City community —even after previous shelter plans that surprised the community prompted vows of more transparency with future shelter plans. People contacted for the story learned of the plan from the KOMO reporter.

The plan, according to the KOMO report, is part of a request by the Lake City Task Force on Homelessness to bring the rotating shelter to three area churches, beginning on Monday, January 7th.

The schedule for the shelter is below:

• Jan 7 – Jan 27, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14514 20th Avenue Northeast, Shoreline
• Jan 28 – Feb 17, Seattle Mennonite Church, 3120 NE 125th St., Seattle
• Feb 17 – Mar 15, Lake City Baptist Church, 2441 Northeast 125th Street, Seattle

From the KOMO story:

According to [Paul] LaRose [of Union Gospel Mission], shelter organizers...

http://lakecity.komonews.com/news/development/812502-surprise-homeless-shelter-plans-worry-neighbors-businesses-lake-city

Rotating shelter coming to the neighborhood.  It looks like it will be for locals and not people shipped from Haborview.

http://lakecity.komonews.com/news/911/810308-man-fatally-struck-car-lake-city-way

A 55-year-old man was killed Wednesday evening when he was struck by a car.

The man attempted to cross Lake City Way NE in the 11000 block around 7 p.m. when he was struck by a northbound Saturn Ion, Seattle police said. The man was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle but he died there a short time later.

The 23-year-old driver of the car remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police say there were no signs of impairment and the driver was interviewed and released.

The victim's name has not been released.

Read this this morning.  Anyone know anything more? 

http://realchangenews.org/index.php/site/archives/7267

by: Aaron Burkhalter , Staff Reporter

Can a North Seattle neighborhood house the homeless and polish its image?

It seems fairly well balanced.

I received this email yesterday from Richard Gholaghong @ the City of Seattle. 

Dear Respondent, I am contacting you to let you know that the Final Report and Recommendation for the disposition of Former Fire Station 39 will not be available this month as anticipated.  At this time I do not have a tentative date to give you for when it will be completed.  As soon as I have any new information on the Final Report and Recommendation I will let you know. Happy Holidays to all. 

Sincerely, Richard Gholaghong, Real Property Agent, Real Estate Services, Dept. of Finance and Administrative Services, City of Seattle P.O. Box 94689 Seattle, WA 98124-4689 Phone # 206-684-0621 

I was wondering if anyone from the community heard more about this; what the city is thinking and/or why it's taking longer than anticipated?

Join us at George Center for Community for a celebration of the Winter Solstice. On Saturday, December 22, we welcome Lake City residents, friends and family of all ages to join us, as we sip cider, munch cookies and create beautiful lanterns to take home. Those who would like to participate in a short walk around the property toward the end of the event, to show off their new lanterns, are welcome to do so.

Reservations are certainly not required, but if you plan to attend and can let us know, we would appreciate hearing from you, so that we make sure we have plenty of cookies and art supplies, please contact us at: mollybee@clearwire.net. 

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Strapped-Seattle-food-bank-We-need-the-community-183727961.html

You can donate here:

http://www.northhelpline.org/

Hopefully the Jolly Elf's visit will promote smiles.

On Saturday, December 8th, Santa Claus will be coming to Kaffeeklatsch (12513 Lake City Way).

The jolly elf will make an appearance in our neighborhood coffee shop for a photo session. And you are invited.

Santa's appearance is a fund-raiser for our own Lake City Community Center. Photos with Mr. Claus will cost $10 and will be shot by a professional photographer.

He will be seated in front of the neighborhood bakery/coffee shop's giant Christmas tree.

The photos start at 2 p.m. and continue until 5:30.

All proceeds will go the Lake City Community Center and its future Youth programming.

The professional photos will be put on a CD and you can walk next door to Bartell Drugs to make your holiday cards.

For more info please call 206.462.1059

Neighbors watch the festivities

Santa exits his convertible

Lake City will celebrate its annual Holidays in the Park event on Wednesday night (December 5th) at 7 p.m. in the Lake City Mini-Park, NE 125th Street and Lake City Way.

Come on out and enjoy some hot drinks, snacks and spend some time with your neighbors.

Santa Claus will arrive at 7:15 and the Ingraham High School band will perform at this years event.

We hope to see you there!

From the Seattle Police Department:

A masked, armed robber remains at large today after striking in Lake City early Sunday morning. About 4 a.m. a man wearing a bandana over his face walked into the XXX Theater/Store,12706 Lake City Way NE, and pointed a silver revolver at the clerk behind the counter.

The suspect demanded money and was given the cash from the register. There was a party going on down stairs and those attending were unaware of the robbery taking place upstairs. The suspect walked out of the front door and fled northbound. Nobody was injured during the incident.

Officers responded to the area and conducted a search with the assistance of a canine unit, however the suspect remains at large.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his mid 20′s, approximately 5’06” tall.

Anyone with information about this incident or who may know the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call 911 or Seattle Police and refer to this incident. Anonymous tips are welcome.

Its that time of year when people unpack their holiday decorations, decorate their homes and prepare to celebrate the traditions that make the holiday season such a special time for families and communities.

This weekend one of the most impressive displays of holiday decorations in Seattle is happening right here in Lake City.

On Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd, Nativity Exhibit Northwest and Lamb of God Lutheran Church are hosting the Annual Nativity Exhibit at Lamb of God church, 12509 127th Avenue N.E. The exhibit showcases more than 800 nativities from almost 100 countries. Some are intricate artworks, some are made from recycled items, some are made from food, some are funny, some try to make a point, all are fascinating.

"This is a great way to kick off the holiday season," said Ben Breeden, a visitor who has been coming to the see the display with his extended family for years.

The display moved from its previous location after the collection grew too large. For the past 20 years it was hosted... (more)

Please support the Nathan Hale Horticulture Program by purchasing these beautiful red and white holiday plants from us.  Poinsettias were grown by students using sustainable methods.  Planning to place a large order of 10+ plants?  Please contact teacher Jessica Torvik at jjtorvik@seattleschools.org.

When

:  Saturday 12/1 from 11 AM to 2 PM and Monday 12/3 from 1 to 5 PM

Where

:  Nathan Hale Greenhouse (north of Jane Addams K-8 school-- 11051 34th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA 98125)

Cost

:  $8.50 per plant, or $8.00 each for 10+ plants

Winter Faire

Saturday, December 1  •  10 am – 4 pm   (Crafts end at 3 pm)
Grade School Campus Map & Directions

2728 NE 100th Street, Seattle WA 98125

Join the festivities just in time for the holiday season! Shop for unique and hand-made gifts from an array of vendors. Make gifts with our craft activities and enjoy our holiday cafe.

Lots of great activities for kids.  A chance for them to make holiday gifts!

Olympic Hills Elementary is hosting its 7th annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, December 1st, from 9-11 a.m. And you are invited to come enjoy some food with your community and help provide for our neighborhood school.

The fun event includes performances by the school's impressive Taiko Drummers, the Intermediate Choir and the Primary Choir.

You get all that entertainment plus a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee for 6 dollars, 4 dollars for the kiddos.

Proceeds from the annual event help fund classroom field trips for Olympic Hills students.

The breakfast will be held at the Lake City Community Center and is sponsored by the Lake City Lions Club.

• 9:30 Taiko Drummers to perform
• 10 Intermediat Choir
• 10:15 Primary Choir