Sometimes, the local news business is just about being in the right place. Wednesday afternoon, CHS took a few minutes to enjoy a Little Uncle lunch in the triangle park in front of the under-construction and super-green Bullitt Center at 15th and Madison. Then CHS left. Not long after, we're told, "dozens of F.B.I., secret service, and Seattle Police officers" arrived -- and so did the president of Bulgaria.... (more)

(Image: CHS)

“We believe very strongly in the quality of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and are excited to be a part of the effort to bring some of its more historic buildings back into service for the benefit of the entire community,” Tim Wolff said in a statement on the purchase.... (more)

Maggie Thorpe is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory. CHS is proud to feature the work of promising young journalists provided by the lab.

The bright and colorful pop tunes thump away. The sounds are familiar, but have a unique rhythm. They encourage listeners to sway to the music. Eventually something becomes apparent: “Wait, this isn’t English!” For those who are unfamiliar with the increasingly popular music from Asia, it is most likely K-pop -- Korean pop -- or J-pop -- Japanese pop.... (more)

The Monster at the End of this Book, today, of course has an app. CHS is fairly certain it can produce as many giggles as the original. There's a celebration of stories like that and the people who love them this Saturday at Elliott Bay Book Co. Here are the details on the First Book Seattle Read-a-Thon sent to us by Tamara Bunnell:

First Book Seattle is hosting a Read-a-Thon this Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the downstairs reading room at Elliott Bay. The day will feature local celebrities reading from the first books that really got them excited about reading when they were children. Local author Sherman Alexie will read, for example, as will spoken word artist Daemond Arrindell. Also included will be legislator Jim McDermott, Jody Hall from Cupcake Royale, Paul Constant from The Stranger, and some Rat City Roller Girls to name a few.... (more)

(Image: SMR Architects)

There will be no such rejection tonight at what should be the final step in the public design process for, perhaps, the most well-loved mixed-use development in Capitol Hill history. Capitol Hill Housing's architects Wednesday night bring their updated plans for the 12th Ave Arts project in front of the newly re-inforced if not newly re-empowered East Design Board.... (more)

The southbound tunnel is now bored (Image: CHS)

With the completion of the final 7/10ths of a mile segment between Broadway and the Paramount Theater, officials Tuesday morning marked the end of some of the highest risk work in the construction of the nearly three-mile-long set of twin tunnels that will bring light rail service to Capitol Hill by 2016.

Officials now say the U-Link light rail project has reached its midway milestone -- with plenty of work left to do. It's too early to start thinking about a possible early start of service for the project.... (more)

Prosecutors announced Tuesday afternoon that they will not pursue charges against a Seattle photographer arrested during Seattle's May Day protests. CHS reported on the charges brought against two men with Capitol Hill connections -- Joshua Alex Garland and Bobby Ditrani -- in the wake of the protests. The county today said charges were being dropped against Garland because prosecutors "no longer believe they could prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt" following his arrest for allegedly assaulting a Seattle Police officer.... (more)

Here's the lastest from the streets, alleys and off-leash areas of the East Precinct:

• Pooper scooper vs. pooper scooper: Seattle Police responded to a woman's report of a 20 to 30-minute pooper scooper vs. pooper scooper stand-off at the Pillars Park off-leash area near Pike and Boren early last Thursday. According to the report, the victim told police she had to arm herself with the implement after a woman approached her at the dog park around 1:30a to complain that she was making too much noise and that her friend was "trying to sleep."...

(Images: TomM for CHS)

The Broadway Alley mall is inconspicuous from the outside. You might assume that it’s simply two adjacent restaurants: HaNa and Americana, which used to be Table 219 and before that, El Greco. The folding signs out front on the sidewalk advertise the shops and restaurants within, but beyond that it’s probably word of mouth that’s brought you here.

Last week, CHS looked at how some of the newest retail space on Broadway is faring. Here's a look at some of the oldest.

Built in 1918, the Alley has weathered a long lifetime of changes and seen many businesses come and go.

The longest running business currently open is the sushi restaurant HaNa. Yoshi Hori and his partner Ken Wada have operated it since 1989. If you’ve ever walked through the Alley from the entrance to the back you’ve probably noticed either Wada or Chef Takashi preparing sushi through the glass walls, and you’ve noticed how the restaurant is often full.... (more)

A former 15th Ave E video store is reborn as a yoga studio this week with, of all things, an Olympic ice skater at the helm. Below, are details on Capitol Hill studio The Grinning Yogi, a new business opened by champion ice dancer Jamie Silverstein. More from Silverstein on her new venture, below.... (more)

SPD swarmed 15th and Pine Monday evening after a reported armed robbery at Zaw Pizza.

All details at this point are extremely preliminary and have not been confirmed with SPD. A witness at the scene said the robber apparently entered the store, threatened that he had a weapon and stole bottles of wine. It appears the robber was able to flee the scene before SPD's arrival.

SPD was inside the store interviewing employees and documenting evidences as a handful of customers waited outside for their pizza orders.

We don't have a suspect description at this time but a witness said he appeared to be "a drunk guy." (more)

Heather Earnhardt is taking a slightly unusual path to build The Wandering Goose (Image: CHS)

• In a new era enabled by technological ubiquity and a healthy skepticism about old ways of starting a business, Heather Earnhardt is putting financial faith into the community she loves -- and that loves her (biscuits) back.

Her goal is to create a home for The Wandering Goose on 15th Ave E by depending on the very customers that have come to love her work over the years in Seattle and most recently at Capitol Hill's Volunteer Park Cafe.

"I love the idea that the future Wandering Goose customers, (a lot of them already know me and what I did with VPC), people that I have trusted relationships with, can help to fund the business by prepaying what they intend to buy in the future! What an amazing concept!" Earnhardt said of The Wandering Goose Founders' Club.... (more)

Sometimes getting an early start on the day just isn't worth it. A man was taken to Harborview with serious injuries suffered in a street robbery that began early Sunday morning following a good deed gone wrong.

According to police, the victim in the pre-6a robbery attempt said he was at the Harvard Market QFC when he was approached my an unknown male who asked him to buy a bagel for him. The victim told police he bought the man a bagel and the two went their separate ways. But as he left the store, the man was following... (more)

There's a secret weapon, apparently, lurking in the shadows of Capitol Hill ready to wipe out any trouble-making mixed-use project as the Pike/Pine Conservation Overlay District faces an "unprecedented wave of new development."

... (more)

The dull but essential East District Council meets again, in the Capitol Hill Library at 6PM on Monday May 14th.

We will:... (more)

Seattle Beer Week Beer Can Derby @ The Pine Box, originally uploaded by spratt504.

Daytona has the 500.

Monte Carlo has the Grand Prix. 

Now, Capitol Hill has a racing classic of its very own. Saturday marked the First Annual Beer Can Derby, held at The Pine Box on Melrose Ave. One of the ten gadzillion events in the 2012 Seattle Beer Week (surely you remember reading about this in CHS last week?), the siren call of empty beer cans on wheels drew in a crowd of more than 150 spectators and 31+ contestants from all corners of the city and state.... (more)

Here are the top CHS posts from this week in 2011. Also, call your mother.

• $15,000 a month rent on Capitol Hill? Here's what you get
• Seattle filmmaker seeks backing for Capitol Hill Massacre movie
• Skillet Diner ready to roll at 14th and Union
• Neighbor holds prowler at gunpoint in area of Hill plagued by brazen burglar
• Rapture at Broadway and Thomas
• Start-up to replace all those customer appreciation punchcards gets start on Capitol Hill

(Images: CHS unless noted)

More than 200 volunteers fanned out across the area around Cal Anderson Park Saturday morning for the annual Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce Clean Sweep. It was a productive way to start a busy, sun-filled Saturday on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, the midday for many was filled with picking through the living treasures offered up during the spring plant sale to benefit the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Nearby, the annual Cannabis Freedom March rally took place at the park's amphitheater in front of a notably small crowd as the debate swirls around I-502's legalization of medicinal marijuana. While a speaker made sure to note that marchers both pro and con were in attendance, the I-502 contingent had a significant table presence and, yes, shirts for sale.

If you have pictures from the day, consider adding them to the CHS Flickr pool or adding a link in the comments.... (more)

Busy Broadway (Image: CHS)

We've told you about some upcoming community events that are in need of musicians -- the upcoming Bite on Broadway and a summer Friday concert series at lower Pike's Pillars Park. But this time we're telling you for real. Capitol Hill needs music:

Bite on Broadway and more
Americana Restaurant in Capitol Hill is looking for local musicians for the upcoming Bite on Broadway and Music Walk, and every Sunday thereafter. Our space is small so solo, duo and trio acts are ideal. We want people who are looking for exposure for their new bands or projects; up-and-coming are also welcome. Please contact Jeffrey at cheffrey@americanaseattle.com with your info and links to samples of your music. 

Concert @ the Columns
Concert @ the columns still need  some musicians  who want to share there talent from June 1st to  Sept 7th  to sign up go to Facebook.com/concertatthecolumns  there is a drop box that allows you to get the application !All you need to do is fill out a quick contact info and pick a Friday  that's still open and show up a half hour before and set up ,to go on once your all set up and all your group is present  ! Last year performers really promoted themselves and were able to keep all the money that  was collected  but tips given  during there performance so if you have a CD's that has your music, please feel free to bring them to sell ! as of today we have openings from June 13th -Sept 7th  ! This year we will only have the 4-9pm show so NO AFTERNOON  SHOWS       I will be @ thee town hall meeting  with a table  to hand out applications  web card and posters to promote  but due to the slow start with weather  its been slow signing up but our first 2 shows are fully booked. Contact: pj123r@yahoo.com

Capitol Hill's Gay City Health is looking for assistance from the public following a burglary at their E Pike headquarters early Friday morning.

Overnight between 1 and 4:30a, a thief proceeded to use a stolen security fob to enter the premises three times and remove what seems to be a targeted list of electronics and equipment, Gay City's Robert Roth said.

Included in the haul were two computers... (more)

Go, scamp, go

Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce Clean Sweep 2012

Saturday, May 12th 10am - 12pm

Cal Anderson Shelter House

Come clean Capitol Hill at the largest Clean Sweep event ever. Coffee and pastries by Starbucks, pizza by Pagliacci. Music by DJ 24 hour Notice and a welcome from Seattle City Council member, Sally Bagshaw.

Sponsors: Starbucks, Pagliacci Pizza, Capitol Hill Housing, the Broadway BIA, the Stranger and Sound Transit.

Look at how much fun these people are having. Looking for more to do? Check out this week's CHS On the List.

This weekend marks the final performances of ReAct Theatre’s presentation of A Language of Their Own now showing at Hugo House -- that means two more nights for you to support a small Capitol Hill theater group and the LGBT community nonprofits it shares funds with.

The play focuses on the topic of AIDS in the gay community as characters Oscar and Ming separate and begin new relationships.

"I saw a production of [A Language of Their Own] in Seattle back in 1997 which was powerful,” ReAct’s director David Hsieh said. “We decided to produce it not only to do the play justice on stage.... but also... to see how the themes continue to play out, and how many things have changed over the last fifteen years."... (more)

An incident involving heavily armed police officers surrounding an SUV on the edge of Cal Anderson Park earlier this week is related to the investigation of a recent robbery, a Seattle Police Department representative tells CHS.... (more)

The thousands of feet of retail space at north Broadway's Joule building is nearly full, and if realtors have their way, the final three commercial spaces will be locked up by summer -- including the largest piece of the puzzle.... (more)