Month: February 2010

City releases 2009 crime stats

Thea Chard 36 Comments

It may not come as much of a surprise that the Seattle Police Department’s year-end crime stats, released this week, show a slight rise in crime in 2009 when compared to 2008; back in December the FBI released national crime stats that uncovered the same upswing trend here in Seattle.

Based on SPD data, violent crimes went up 12 percent in 2009 from 2008, while property crimes rose 7 percent. Although this may seem like a significant increase, the FBI report comparing violent crimes in the first halves of both 2008 and 2009 in Seattle, indicated a much larger increase of 22 percent.

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Even the animals celebrate Valentines Day

Chris Mongillo 2 Comments

Determined to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the animals of the Woodland Park Zoo, a crowd of hearty Washingtonians scoffed at the wind and rain last Saturday to watch animals share Valentine’s Day-themed treats like heart-shaped boxes filled with fruit, heart-shaped fruit wreaths and heart-shaped ice pops.

The annual event is what’s called “thematic enrichment,” according to zoo spokesperson Gigi Allianic. “Enrichment is the process of creating a challenging environment to address an animal’s social, psychological and physical needs,” Allianic said. She added that such events contribute to successful breeding of endangered species in captivity and connecting zoo visitors to the animals. “It’s an opportunity for visitors to learn about behavioral enrichment,” Allianic said.

Allianic said themed events are not only a great way for visitors to learn about the zoo’s animals, but is also an important part of caring for the animals. “It reinforces natural behavior such as exploring and foraging and is a part of the daily care program,” Allianic said.

While Valentine’s Day at the zoo is a hit with heart-shaped treats being fed to the animals, Allianic said it’s not the only event that draws a crowd. The zoo offers other events on Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Art show inspired by ‘accidents’

Sarah Kane 5 Comments

Disfigured, distorted bodies float underwater. A man is having a bloody dance with a chain saw, an axe, or a bow and arrow, but remains calm despite the gore. A cello wails a hauntingly beautiful song that complements these images, and draws you inside.

The bodies, the gore, this is trauma as Kate Vrijmoet (pronounced “vry-moot”) sees it, as shown through her “Accident Series.” Not the initial impact of trauma, but the scars it leaves behind for the rest of one’s life, whether psychological or physical. This trauma is the subject of her new exhibition at CoCa Ballard Gallery (6413 Seaview Ave NW), “Essential Gestures.”

(Artist in center wearing blue)
“I observe life,” she said simply, when asked about her inspiration. Her paintings depict “people as defined by their bodies, their minds, their self-awareness as well as trauma and scars,” according to an informational card available at the exhibit.

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