My Ballard

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.

Firefighters respond to apartment building

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:17:31 +0000

Some folks in Ballard had a nasty wake-up call as firefighters responded to the apartment building at 6316 24th Ave. NW just after 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

The small fire was quickly extinguished, and there was no obvious damage — although it sounded like the sprinklers may have gone off.

UW’s Willingham live from Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:46:00 +0000

If you’re still venting from Saturday’s controversial game at Husky Stadium, you can head down to Anthony’s on Shilshole this Monday at 4:30 p.m. to participate in a live radio show with UW head coach Tyrone Willingham. So what happened? A ref called a bogus penalty on quarterback Jake Locker, which led to the Huskies loss, 28-27 against BYU. It didn’t take long for the controversial call to hit the national airwaves. “That was a sham,” said ESPN commentator Lou Holtz. Added ESPN’s Mark May, “This could be a job loser game for Ty Willingham,” referring to Tyrone’s need to pull out a winning season or likely lose his job. KJR will broadcasting the show, and they’ll be taking questions from the audience.

Beavers overwhelmed in season opener

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:14:23 +0000

John Bowers’ first game as head coach of the Ballard Beavers ended in a stinging defeat this Friday night. Renton’s Liberty High beat the Beavers decisively in the season opener at Memorial Stadium, 43-7.

Now, I’m not a sports writer, but I’m a football fan, and the game was painful to watch. Turnover after turnover plagued the Beavers on offense.

Here, a Liberty player returns an interception for a touchdown. “It looked like we weren’t coached well, and we weren’t,” Bowers told reporters after the game. “I’ll take total responsibility for this one.”

But it’s not all about winning, right? (And it was a non-league game.) The cheerleaders kept the crowd in the game, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Here’s a video clip of a few highlights, and click below for more photos…

The weekend events calendar

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:14:21 +0000

- Tonight (Friday) at 6:30 p.m. is the “Crayfish Celebration and Auction” at the Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave N. Then on Sunday, the monthly Swedish Pancake breakfasts resume at 8 a.m.
- Saturday morning at the Majestic Bay Theater is a fundraiser for Morningsong Early Learning Center. There will be a screening of The Jungle Book at 9 a.m.
- Washington’s first Poet Laureate, Sam Green will be reading at the Fremont branch of the Seattle Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Get a self-guided tour of eight neighborhood gardens in the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s Garden Tour, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- For live music, check out the concert calendars for the Tractor Tavern, Sunset Tavern, The Bit Saloon, High Dive, Conor Byrne and Nectar.

As always, check out our events calendar. And if you have an event to add, just email us at tips@myballard.com and we’ll post it in the calendar.

‘Ballard for Obama’ T-shirts for sale

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:35:56 +0000

There are certainly plenty of Obama supporters in Ballard, and Epilogue Books on Market St. has distributed lots of Obama gear over the last few months. But now the bookstore has a new addition:

The T-shirts cost $14.95, and Nathan (modeling the shirt) at Epilogue tells us they’re even getting international buyers, from Norway, China and Australia, to name a few. And in true Ballard fashion, the bumper stickers are coming soon. Of course, if someone knows of a “Ballard for McCain” T-shirt somewhere, we’ll be happy to post it for equal time. (Story idea from Mohini, who posted a photo in the Ballard Flickr pool. Check out her very cool food blog right here.)

Artisan pizza joint to open on Leary

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:22:07 +0000

Ballard’s pizza scene keeps growing. Zaw Pizza, which bills itself as “artisan pizza in the raw,” will open soon at the north end of Canal Station on Leary, according to a posted liquor license. Zaw is also opening restaurants in Capitol Hill and South Lake Union. (Thanks Nina for the tip!)

We’re still awaiting the opening of two other new pizza places in town: Pizza Picolinos on Sunset Hill and Veraci Pizza on Market and 6th.

By the way, Ballard Mandarin has finally applied to sell alcohol after being open for a few months. And just across the street on 8th and Market, Cyberspace Coffee has applied for a liquor license, too.

Pajama party at Majestic Bay Theatres

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:42:29 +0000

This Saturday morning you can jump out of bed and head straight to Majestic Bay in your pajamas for “Movies for Morningsong,” a special screening of The Jungle Book to benefit homeless children. The Morningsong Early Learning Center is the only child care center in Seattle serving homeless toddlers and pre-schoolers. A great cause. Tickets are $15 each and include popcorn and a drink — and you can only buy tickets in advance right here. The movie starts at 9 a.m.

Mayor proposes funding for ‘missing link’

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:14:08 +0000

The notorious “missing link” in the Burke-Gilman trail may be connected by 2010. Mayor Nickels has proposed $8.6 million for the trail in his upcoming two-year budget. The “missing link” is a confusing and often dangerous stretch of roadway from 11th Ave. to the Locks — a source of much frustration from bicyclists over the years. Work could start as early as April of next year.

Earlier: Bike road rage along the “missing link”

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.

Noise complaint filed from new senior center

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:42:07 +0000

That didn’t take long. A resident at the brand new Landmark Senior Center along Leary and Ballard Avenues has filed a noise complaint with the city.

“Now she wants to switch rooms, which is going to be a problem,” the facility’s executive director told the Ballard News Tribune. Of course, Ballard Ave. can get a little loud, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar manager at Hattie’s Hat, just across from the Landmark, says that’s par for the course along Ballard Ave. “I’m hoping they aren’t the golf-course retirees,” Aimee Shepard said. “I’m hoping they’re more the Manhattan martini-type people.” Somehow, we doubt that’s the case. By the way, the Landmark’s website describes it as “vibrant urban living with the character of a small town.” Stay tuned for this debate to heat up as more residents move into the 146-unit facility.

More buses during viaduct construction

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:17:43 +0000

When construction starts next year on the seismically vulnerable viaduct, traffic may not be as bad as some fear. Under a $32 million plan, the state DOT is proposing a plan that would ease congestion and put more buses on the road running more frequently. “This investment by Washington State will mean more convenient service during construction and will help us be ready for more than 4,000 new riders expected to ride Metro and leave their cars at home,” King Count Executive Ron Sims said. Ballard, Aurora Ave and West Seattle are the three areas most affected by the construction and would benefit the most.

(File photo of a metro bus along Market St.)

Beavers back to school, first game Friday

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:50:20 +0000

Today’s the first day of school at Ballard High, and the Beavers will take on Liberty at Memorial Stadium this Friday evening in the first varsity football game of the season. It’s also the first season for head coach John Bowers. So what’s the scouting report? “With the new KingCo 4A alignment, three of the five teams Ballard beat last season are no longer on the schedule,” explains the Seattle Times. “Two of those opponents have been replaced with Bothell and Skyline, two state contenders.” All the more reason to show your support by wearing your red and black and learning a couple Ballard High cheers, as taught by the young ladies in this video clip. Go Beavers!

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.

Introducing the Geeky Swedes

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:09:07 +0000

Nine months after the launch of MyBallard.com, we’d like to properly introduce ourselves. Our names are Cory and Kate Bergman. And Kai, too.

It was Kate’s idea to start a blog shortly after we moved to Ballard in October of last year. Yes, we’re technically “New Ballard,” although Kate has “Old Ballard” roots: her grandma was born and raised just a stone’s throw from our home. We were so excited to be in the neighborhood, we started to write about it.

We’ve been anonymous because we didn’t want My Ballard to be confused with our “real jobs.” Kate is the morning coordinating producer at KING 5. Cory is the director of business development at msnbc.com (and at the time, the director of digital media for KING 5). We’ve been journalists for our entire careers, and My Ballard became a way for us to explore our new neighborhood while experimenting with community-powered journalism. After all, you power this blog. Not us. We just moderate it.

We thank you for making My Ballard what it is today, and we’re excited what the future may bring. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have to teach Kai how to blog.

(Photo from Inglin Photography)

Thieves steal safe at Tigertail

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:47:00 +0000

Tigertail was closed Monday after thieves broke into the restaurant.

The break-in happened overnight Sunday. The thieves smashed a small window in the roll-up door and squeezed inside. They made off with the safe, according to a business next door that was told about the break-in.

If you have any information regarding the crime, please contact the folks at Tigertail. (Thanks Gooner for the tip).

Update: Could it be the same burglar responsible for hitting 45 stores in the North Seattle area in the last few weeks?

News from neighborhoods next door

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:30:30 +0000

A few interesting stories from neighborhoods surrounding Ballard…
- Greenwood: Graffiti mars empty McDonald’s again
- Magnolia: Magnolia’s messiest man evicted (with photos)
- Phinney Ridge: Allusia closing and holding big moving sale
- Fremont: “No sitting or lying on the sidewalk,” please
- Magnolia: What $4,999 a month in rent will get you

Put out those garbage cans

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:04:08 +0000

Happy Labor Day! Just a reminder that even though today is a holiday, garbage pickup is normal. Banks, liquor stores and post offices are closed and you don’t have to pay for metered parking. Here’s a list of what else is closed.

Ballard resident prepares to open Shiku Sushi

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:11:19 +0000

The sign has gone up over Shiku Sushi, one of two new sushi restaurants preparing to open along Ballard Ave. We spoke with owner Rob Kim, who says the plan is to bring in “Japanese tapas” along with traditional sushi, plenty of sake and a full bar — a twist that Rob says will differentiate Shiku from its competitor just a couple doors down, Moshi Moshi Sushi.

Rob is a Ballard resident who worked at Red Fin sushi in downtown Seattle, and he says he saw a need to bring more sushi to the neighborhood. It’s his first restaurant, but he says his uncle — who manages four sushi restaurants in San Diego — is helping him with the launch. Shiku is slated to open in a month.

Body found near Shilshole boat ramp

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:50:16 +0000

Police believe a body that was discovered near the Shilshole boat ramp is the missing swimmer, 21-year-old Brent Sweet, who disappeared while swimming off Golden Gardens a week ago. Our condolences are with the Sweet family.

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.

Monster Clothing, Source Salon now open

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:24:18 +0000

Here’s an update on our earlier posts about two new businesses moving into the Old Ballard area just a block apart from each other.

First, Monster Art and Clothing has now opened at Ballard Ave. and 20th Ave. The boutique featuring handmade products by “young upcoming artists.”

And Source Salon and Spa has opened in the prominent curved retail space at Leary and 20th Ave. It describes itself as a “modern boutique and gallery with a relaxing down to earth environment.” Their number is 789-4500.

Band writes song about Aurora Bridge suicide

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:28:50 +0000

When the Seattle band Massy Ferguson releases their upcoming CD, Cold Equations, it will feature a song called “The Ride” about a friend who jumped from the Aurora Bridge in 2006. “Don’t let it stall on Fremont Falls/just go, finish it out,” the song says, which musician Ethan Anderson said urges people not to give into the bridge. “I guess we’re asking people to press on,” he told the PI. Massy Ferguson will donate all proceeds from the song to Crisis Clinic, a local suicide prevention organization. The Tractor Tavern will host the band’s CD release party on September 13th at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks jars Loyal Heights neighborhood

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:04:13 +0000

Kirsten emailed us this morning (Thursday):

“My boyfriend heard some crazy-sounding explosions last night. They sounded like they were moving, and went off in succession, as if the explosions were traveling around. Gunfire? Fireworks? We’re in the Loyal Heights neighborhood. Did anyone else hear or see anything?”

In the comment thread in an earlier post today, readers are also talking about explosions or gun shots. Any ideas?

Update: Laura solves the mystery in comments…

“I live across the street from Loyal Heights Elementary on 26th NW (and 80th St.) The explosions were fireworks — I could see them from my upstairs window. It looked like they may have been set off on the playground.”

Thaiku closed for the week

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:35:03 +0000

Brown paper covers the windows at Thaiku and CaffinatorX asks in the forum, “what’s up with that?” Turns out they’re just closed for the week. A sign on the door says the popular Thai restaurant is closed so they can refinish the floors and remodel the kitchen. They plan to re-open after Labor Day on Sept. 2nd.

The most expensive real estate in Ballard?

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:37:50 +0000

Recently in the forum, BallardViking discovered this home for sale:

Look a little cozy? Well, the “condo alternative” measures just 325 square feet with a $199,999 price tag. “At $615 a foot, this has to be the most expensive piece of real estate in Ballard,” BallardViking writes. There’s also this 487 square foot house over in Greenwood selling for $259,950.

The Ballard neighborhood of… Metum?

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:58:06 +0000

If you search for Metum in Google Maps, you’ll get this result:

Same goes for Microsoft’s Live Maps. “What in the heck is it?” writes My Ballard reader Peggy, who discovered the neighborhood in a search. Isn’t it Sunset Hill or North Beach, as outlined in the Seattle neighborhood atlas?

Ssshhhh! Secret comedy show on Friday

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:13:48 +0000

Some pretty funny comedians are coming to Bumbershoot this year and some of them are putting on a pre-event comedy show Friday night at Lo-Ball (2220 NW Market, lower level). Sadly, we don’t know which comedians will be there. (They have non-compete clauses in their contracts that prevent them to advertise the show.) But we’re told some national acts will stop by Lo-Ball and perform an all-ages show in the intimate confines of the Live Girls! Theater. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. and there is a $5 cover.

Preview of the Danielle condos on 24th

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:08:58 +0000

Right across the street from the massive Ballard on the Park construction project on 24th Ave., the Danielle condos are beginning to take shape. They now have a website with an artist’s rendering:

As Seattle Condos and Lofts explains, units will go on sale this fall in the mid-$200,000s to the upper-$300,000s for single bedrooms. (Check out the 3D animation on the Danielle’s site.) Occupancy is slated for May 2009.

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.