Seattle City Light and Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED) are working together to promote and change the way Seattle uses renewable energy through their  Washington initiative. The goal is to change one neighborhood at a time and to have 150 solar systems operating by the summer 2013 . Projects have already been done Queen Anne and Magnolia as well as other Seattle neighborhoods. When a community agrees to go solar Northwest SEED searches for vendors that will give bulk discount for supplies and installation to the homeowners. Each neighborhood is set up on a grid so that the energy that is not used by one homeowner will flow to other neighbors within the grid.

It is estimated that in the past two years Washington has pumped nearly $4 million into the local economy, created 14 new jobs and has generated more than 600 kilowatts of solar electricity to Seattle’s grid. Seattle City Light estimates that only 600 out of its 400,000 customers use solar energy. Benefits of using solar panels are tax credits and rebates as well as lower energy bills. Living in Seattle helps a little too. Seattle’s annual lower temperatures allow the solar panels to work better and the rain washes them off.

This impressive 3 bed 1.75 bath Magnolia craftsman home is now available for rent, and features hardwoods throughout the main level, with a gas fireplace, and open floor plan for entertaining. It also has a great deck on the front of the home, perfect to oversee the neighborhood, sweeping bay and mountain views and great for entertaining. The lower level has a fully finished basement with custom built-ins and finishes, bedroom and recently updated bathroom. The home also comes with a 2 car garage, and is a first time rental; and it certainly shows! The home is just blocks away from Discovery Park, and in close proximity to the Magnolia Thriftway and the Magnolia Public Library.

For those procastinators: How to Cook a Turkey

For NFL Fans: 9:30 AM on CBS, Texans vs Lions (Seahawk fans root for Texans); 1:15 PM on FOX, Redskins vs Cowboys (Seahawk fans root for Redskins); & 5:20 on NBC, Patriots vs Jets (Seahawk fans do not care)

For College Football Fans: 4:30 PM on ESPN, TCU vs Texas

For Gonzaga Fans: 6 PM on ESPN2, Clemson vs Gonzaga

For those who get stressed on the holidays: Meditation

For those akward moments when talking to family: Discussion Topics

For keeping peace at the Thanksgiving dinner: Topics to Avoid

If you do not avoid those topics: Unbeatable Arguments

Seattle Public Utilities usually charges around $3.20 per gallon bags collected, but this month they’ll pick them up for free to help prevent drain blockage and flooding issues that could occur in the fall. Leaves can also be placed in your home compost piles, as their compost experts have determined that under most circumstances, you will not have to worry about contaminants such as gas or oil affecting the leaves. If you’d like to help the community and Seattle Public Utilities, sign up with their adopt-a-drain program to help clear Seattle drains of debris.

Turkey Trot started in 2007 as a group of friends looking to enjoy a morning jog on Thanksgiving Day.  But every year, the assembly grew significantly and now thousands of families come out and enjoy the fresh, crisp air of the Seattle coast.  All those who register will receive a “Turkey Trot 2012″ t-shirt (sizes vary from Men’s, Women’s and kids).

The event takes place on November 22 at 9AM!  Volunteers are always needed!  http://www.seattleturkeytrot.org/about

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with 25 local vendors selling clothing, fun handmade jewelry, chocolates and treats, accessories, iPhone covers, and more! Lots of good holiday gift ideas, and there will also be a Fashion Show by Vixen Spa, massages and brow waxing, and raffle items to giveaway! The event is from 6:00-9:00PM, bring your shopping bags, and shop til you drop.

The event is put on by the Seattle Good Business Network.  They are in their eleventh year of hosting by stressing the strengthening of our community through the support of local businesses.  One of the top-rated businesses is located in our very own, Magnolia, is that of the Palisade’s Waterfront Restaurant.

Located in the heart of the Elliott Bay Marina, the Palisade, displays cultivating views of the water and sea-craft that port there.   Even with beautiful outdoor views, there is still an aesthetically-pleasing interior that gives off a soothing feeling to its visitors.  First, it is hard to miss the large water tank, near the entry, that keeps the Dungeness crab extremely fresh.  Secondly, they have a saltwater pond, filled with live Steelhead, that guests are able to walk over with a bridge conveniently located in the center of the restaurant.  Lastly, they have a mixed variety of seafood, steak and sushi that can meet expectations as restaurant-goers can taste the time and effort put into each dish.

One of its unique features is how every bedroom contains its own bathroom and there is also an extra powder room on the main floor.  Also, the kitchen is completely updated with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and cherry cabinetry.

The backyard is completely fenced off and offers a cozy patio.  It is a perfect area to start a garden as it receives great sun exposure.  There is an abundance of street-parking around the unit, not to mention the one-car garage that is attached.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity.  If you are interested in viewing this unit or getting more information, please visit www.ewingandclark.com.

One aspect that has received some buzz is that of the landlords having to pay for this mandatory inspection.  There is a large discrepancy between landlords who are more hands-on and take better care of their properties compared to those who don’t.  Those that take pride in their properties feel they are getting punished even though they are doing everything possible to make their rental livable and safe.

Another issue at hand is that of the inspection fees.  Tenants are worried that the landlord is going to pass off the inspections costs onto them.  This has come as some concern as Seattle’s rental prices are already high.  With so many losing their homes to foreclosures and short sales, this inspection fee may be yet another cost for those looking to rent in the Seattle area.

Regardless of the complaints, the inspection program has been passed by the city and will take effect in 2014.  Landlords need to take the necessary precautions to make sure their property is up to code.  Whether that is being more involved or spending on improvements, landlords should be aware of hefty fines if they do not pass the inspection.    With the rental market at an all-time high here in Seattle, there may be more regulations coming soon.