Monthly Archives: October 2011

How Are We Going to Replace the Magnolia Bridge?

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While you’re thinking about the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, don’t forget that a local structure will eventually need to be replaced too: Magnolia Bridge. Actually, Magnolia Bridge is one of sixty Seattle area bridges that could use replacing, according to this Seattle PI article. But how do we pay for it?

Don’t get too worried about Magnolia Bridge. Although it is labeled as “structurally deficit,” numerous engineers have stated that it is safe to drive on. It simply cannot hold as much weight as it could when it was first built in 1930. Additionally, Seattle is working on replacing its bridges. The 2006 Bridging the Gap property tax levy worked on five major bridges, including the 45th St. Viaduct. Plus, it’s under budget and ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, Magnolia Bridge would cost a bit more than is left over, around the sum of $250 million to replace.

So, where is the money going to come from? Most likely a tax levy geared at property owners. But, why not use the $60 car tab fee that we’re voting on in November to pay for the Magnolia Bridge? First, it doesn’t raise enough money, raising only $204 million over the next ten years. Second, none of the money is going towards bridge repair, despite the fact that sixty bridges are over sixty years old. While you may be crying out in rage, the car tab fee would focus on many smaller transportation issues than replacing large bridges. It would install bike lanes, repave streets, extend trolley lines, research streetcar routes, and more. It’s more about a city-wide benefit rather than benefiting primarily one neighborhood.

Expect to cough up more money to replace the Magnolia Bridge in the coming years. But please do when we vote on it! We don’t want the Magnolia Bridge to fall victim to the same fate as the now-closed South Park Bridge.

Magnolia Halloween Fun for Everyone + Dogs

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Magnolia is certainly getting into the festive Halloween spirit. The neighborhood will be having a series of Halloween events that’s perfect for families, young kids, teens, and even dogs. Here’s a series of events happening in the neighborhood and at the Magnolia Community Center to get you and your family into the Halloween spirit. For more info, check out the article in the Magnolia Voice.

  • For the kids in elementary school, there’s a Glow in the Dark Night on Friday, October 21st from 5:30pm-8pm. Here’s more details:
  • For the teenagers in the family, Halloteen Night is happening Friday, October 21st, from 8:30pm-11pm. It’s $3 for 6th-8th graders. Bring student i.d.
  • To get your pooch in the Halloween spirit, there’s Dog-o-ween happening on Saturday, October 22nd from 11am-2:30pm. It will be held in the future dog park, Magnolia Manor Park.  For more info, go here for the website. 
  • For something for all-ages, there’s pumpkin carving on October 26th from 6pm-8pm. It’s $3-$7, depending on the size of your pumpkin. Go here for more info.
  • Bring your kids trick-or-treating in Magnolia Village on Monday, October 31st. The village shops along West McGraw street will be handing out candy for kids in costume from 4pm-6pm.

 

Strange Magnolia News: Woman Assaults a Police Officer

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Seattle traffic can be miserable from time to time. But as a Seattleite, you simply learn to deal with it and plan accordingly. I recently read an article where two women did otherwise. Last Sunday morning, there was a collision near the Magnolia Bridge that blocked traffic at 15th Avenue West and the Magnolia Bridge. Police officers were sent out to investigate the collision and direct traffic.

Two impatient women determined that enough was enough and decided to take matters into their own hands… or rather, fists. According to the news report, one woman shouted expletives at an officer and knocked over equipment. When an officer tried to keep the intolerant woman under control, she channeled her inner “Mike Tyson” and slugged the officer. Another officer was also hit. However, feistiness is never the answer, and she has been jailed for Assault on an Officer, which carries the hefty weight of being a felony.

Magnolia residents, traffic can be tough. But I hope you all keep a cool head on your shoulders when you’re sitting bumper-to-bumper. Keep your hands to yourself and unleash your “Mike Tyson” at kickboxing instead.

Serial Magnolia & Queen Anne Burglar Sentenced

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Magnolia & Queen Anne residents, you can sleep safe and sound tonight. Last Friday, the prolific burglar, Keone K. Padilla, was sentenced to 76 months in prison by the King County Superior Court. According to the Seattle Police Department blotter, detectives and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are working together to enforce the Repeat Burglar Initiative, a unit focused on serial burglars.

Initiatives like this are important when enforcing repeat burglars. According to a Q13 Fox News report, Padilla was previously convicted in 2009 for a burglary. However, within a month, he had already burglarized over 30 Seattle families, typically stealing electronics, jewelry and guns. Additionally, he broke into unoccupied homes during the day.

While a feeling of security has been restored in Magnolia & Queen Anne, it is also important to take necessary precautions to ward off potential burglars. Here are few tips to keep in mind:

  • Your first defense against burglars is visibility. Keep hedges trimmed to reduce potential hiding spots for burglars and keep your property visible, so neighbors can take note of suspicious activity.
  • Use light as a deterrent. Make sure to keep any dark areas well-lit, especially around windows and doors. Motion sensor lights are a great option for deterring crime.
  • Make it appear as if you’re home. If you go on vacation, stop newspaper deliveries, add light timers, and have neighbors take out the trash. Also, do not post vacation plans on social networks.

By exercising the necessary precautions, you can help keep your family safe in your Magnolia, Queen Anne, or Seattle neighborhood.