News

News Gleams: Weekend Windstorm, Columbia/Hillman Arts District, and New BBQ Spot in Hillman City

Weekend Windstorm on the Way

The National Weather Service in Seattle is predicting a significant windstorm for the Puget Sound region. Starting tonight, winds gusting around 50 mph can be expected across King County, which will damage trees and power lines. A High Wind Warning is in effect from 6:00pm Thursday until 7:00am Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, an even more severe storm is forecast to hit our region with even stronger winds. The timing, strength, and duration of that storm is still uncertain at this time, so monitor local media and websites for updates.

Power outages are a strong possibility with these storms, so King County Emergency Management offers these tips if you lose electricity.

Preparing for a power outage

  • Have an emergency kit ready, including a flashlight, extra batteries, and cash. (ATMs can’t operate without electricity.)
  • Keep your mobile phone fully charged.
  • Have alternative charging methods for your phone and other devices.
  • Install surge protectors and/or battery back-up systems for computers.
  • If you have an electric garage door opener, know where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it.
  • Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full. (Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.)
  • Consider purchasing a generator. If you a have a generator, strictly adhere to safety requirements.
  • If you rely on anything that is power dependent, such as a medical device, determine a back-up plan.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery, and make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs. You may also want to strategically remove branches so the wind can blow through.

If the power goes out

  • To report a power outage, Seattle residents can call Seattle City Light at 206-684-3000 (customer service) or 206-684-7400 (recorded hotline) or visit www.seattle.gov/light. All other King County residents should contact Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or www.pse.com.
  • Use battery-operated light sources, such as flashlights or light sticks. Do not use candles, as they can cause fires.
  • Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, or propane heaters for indoor heating. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. These can also increase the risk of fire.
  • Limit the number of times you open the refrigerator and freezer to help keep foods cold for longer.
  • Turn off as many lights and other electrical items as possible (except for the refrigerator and freezer). This will help eliminate potential fire hazards and reduce the power draw when service is restored.
  • Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from power surges when service is restored.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
  • Stay informed. If available, monitor local media for updates and important safety information.
  • If driving, proceed with caution and treat intersections with non-working traffic lights as a four-way stop.

 

Community Assistance Sought to Make the Columbia Hillman Arts & Cultural District a Reality

The Columbia City Business Association, the Hillman City Business Association, SEEDArts, Community Arts Create, and others are applying to the City of Seattle to become the next Arts & Cultural District.

Designation as an Arts & Cultural District will provide positive exposure for our cultural spaces and ensure the arts remain at the forefront in the face of rapid development.

In order to demonstrate that southeast Seattle qualifies, the coalition needs to prove the area has a dense cluster of arts organizations, businesses and individual artists, and are seeking local artists and residents to help in two ways.

First, the city created a Cultural Space Inventory and Map – and we need you to be counted. The map can be viewed here: http://www.seattle.gov/arts/cultural-space-inventory. Local arts or cultural organization s(either for-profit or nonprofit) with a permanent space OR individual artists (hobbyist or professional) with permanent workspace, even in their own home, can add themselves to the map.

Second, there will be a Happy Hour Meeting to discuss ideas and opportunities about the pending Columbia Hillman Arts & Cultural District that residents are encouraged to attend. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 5:30 – 6:30pm at the Royal Room (5000 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118). This meeting is to provide a forum for public input on the application and designation and to demonstrate to the city that there is public support for the effort.

 

New BBQ Restaurant in Hillman City

Though its opening ended up delayed by a few weeks, Hillman City finally welcomed Emma’s BBQ into the neighborhood earlier this week, as South Seattle’s newest BBQ diner opened its doors this past Monday.

Open for less than a week, the family owned restaurant seems to quickly becoming known for offering up large portions of food at an affordable price.

“Emma’s BBQ is amazing! I got the dinner (Pulled pork w/mild sauce, cornbread and 2 sides). Massive amount of food for a decent price! I’ll definitely go back!!” read an unsolicited review on the page of the Columbia City Facebook  Group.