So we were excited to see that the city is trying out a solution for sidewalk-ruining roots, at least. They're using something called Silva Cells as they plant some red oak trees in front of the Escala downtown. We asked Shane DeWald, landscape architect for SDOT how it works.
A Smooth-Sidewalked Future Free from Tree Root Tumbles
Neighborhood News and Blog Roundup
We can't get enough stimulus, and still we're exhausted. We feel like Richard McIver, who just announced his retirement from Seattle City Council, saying "I want to go home and sit down." Should we ever be up for a walk, West Seattle Blog has info on the plans for Alki Point's sidewalks and Mayor Nickels asks you to volunteer in his State of the City, which is a good thing since few of us still have paying jobs. Maybe we'll find work at Costco or Target, two stores that will stock the soon-to-be wildly popular Starbucks instant coffee-flavored product.
Photos of Seattle's Day-in-Ice-and-Snow
You kinda wish this guy in sneakers, skating down Denny, would fall on his ass. But he doesn't. And you respect him. All over the city today, people were falling on their asses and making the "ow" face.
Neighborhood News and Local Blog Roundup
- While lightning may not strike the same person twice, getting stuck on the Monorail just might. Just ask Ballard resident Robert Baker.
- The cold weather and icy roads may be a hassle for the rest of us, but if you're selling chains or snow tires, it's been a boon. So much so, according to White Center Now, it's nearly impossible to find chains at area stores.
- It seems that public transportation in Seattle has always had a problem with the hills when it snows. Just check out this photo of a derailed Seattle cable car from 1929.

Nick Licata Thinks You're Interested in Sidewalks
Past jefe of the Seattle City Council Nick Licata just wrote us a note about sidewalks and the Mercer Mess. "I thought your blog readers would be interested in knowing about this coming Monday's Forum on Providing Sidewalks and Scaling Down The Mercer Project," says Nick, all helpful-like. Oh, butter wouldn't melt in his mouth!
End Is Near For Pine Street Zigzag
Wayne Wentz, Seattle's traffic management director, says the city is considering finally doing something about the Pine Street Zigzag. Officials do not know what changes are coming, but construction is expected to begin in 2009. In the meantime, he says the city will put up "Do Not Cross Here" signs on the north side of Pine at Boren.

