Neighborhood Budget Priorities Conference, Sunday May 4th

(Screenshot below: here's the original)

OOPS Calendar broken. Here's a FLYER

Seattle cable monopoly (Comcast)

Seattle is going to renew its cable franchise (monopoly agreements) shortly.  They’re asking for feedback. 

http://www.seattle.gov/cable/franchiserenewal.htm

 

They want our input:

• On-line survey  Take this on-line survey to help us gather information for the Comcast renewal process.  
• Comcast Renewal Comments  Complete this comment form to send us your renewal-related ideas and input.
• Send us an email at cableoffice@seattle.gov
• Call our 24-hour Cable Line at (206) 684-8498

 

There will be a public meeting at the Miller Community Center on Tuesday May 13, 2014 ~ 6:30-8:00 pm 

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Reasons I think this is an important issue:

Broadband access is really sub-par in Seattle and the U.S. in general. In fact, the U.S. is near the lowest in broadband access among developed nations, yet has some of the highest broadband profits. This is because it is not a free market. Broadband is essentially monopoly, cell phones a duopoly. Comcast controls most of the market in both, and has little incentive to provide better access.

One of the first things that Murray did on taking office was to cancel the Gigabit fiber initiative that was I thought was a reall unsung victory of McGinn's. This would have increased internet speeds by a factor of 10 to 100, improved access, all without increasing costs overall. Not coincidentally, Comcast donated heavily to Murray's campaign.

This isn't an issue for most of us who can afford access and don't need high speeds. It's an issue for (a) equity: allowing more people to have reliable access to internet, including those who can't afford Comcast, and (b) ensuring our competitiveness in the technology market.

20th and John in 1955

Your thoughts on Seattle's future, by April 21st, please

Below is how to submit comments. Here is a web page with all the information and here are the display boards that were at the meeting.

Commenting Deadline and Final Open Houses The official commenting period for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping process ends on April 21, 2014. We want to hear your thoughts on the three planning alternatives, whether we are looking at the right options, and how you want to see Seattle grow. You can send in your comments to 2035@seattle.gov, download our self addressed form, comment on thealternatives web page, or send a good old fashioned letter to:  City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development Attn: Gordon Clowers 700 5th Ave, Suite 1900 PO Box 34019 Seattle, WA 98124   Want more information? Come to one of our final open houses this week, Monday at Miller Community Centerfrom 6-8 PM and Tuesday at Rainier Community Centerfrom 6-8 PM. We will give a brief overview of the process and answer any questions you may have.

Earth Day Celebration & Plan Exchange: April 17th

Earth Day Celebration & Plan Exchange

Come celebrate springtime in Seattle with fellow gardeners in your community! Share plants, seeds, tools, yard art and knowledge. Everyone is welcome, especially new gardeners. Also, there will be a gardening activity for children.

April 17, 2014

5:30-7:30pm

FREE

Miller Community Center

330 19^th Ave E

Seattle, WA 98112

206.684.4753

Neighborhood Greenway group presents The Silly Hilly

Please join us on Saturday, April 26 at 2 pm for a fun, inclusive, family-friendly ride/walk to explore potential greenway route options for the northern segment of the Central Seattle Neighborhood Greenway on the very steep north-east end of Capitol Hill.  

We will convene at Montlake Elementary School at 2 pm, and will walk or bike in teams following one of 4 separate routes up the hill to Miller Community Center while taking pictures and completing a scavenger hunt along the way.  Silly costumes welcome!  At Miller Park we'll have kid-friendly games, prizes and refreshments, and a chance to share impressions of the routes.  The event is organized by Seattle Neighborhood Greenways with support from Cascade Bicycle Club.

Here's a link to the Facebook event - please share widely!

We hope to see many of you there!

Merlin Rainwater for the Silly Hilly planning group

Emergency Preparedness Classes at Seattle Central in May

Seattle Emergency Preparedness Friends and Partners –

The Seattle Office of Emergency Management is now taking registration for two disaster skills classes, Disaster First Aid and Light Search and Rescue. Classes are offered free of charge, but you must pre-register to attend. See below for description and details: