07.19.2023

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Today’s Forecast

Break out those pens

Explaining King County’s 2023 primary election

It’s time for these familiar faces to come into play again. | Photo by SEAtoday Staff

You might have noticed that your King County Voters’ Pamphlet feels a little extra meaty this go around. That’s because this primary election’s ballot includes candidates for 46 local offices and a few other pieces of legislation.

While that may seem like a lot, note you won’t have to make 46+ decisions since most of the positions are for local city council or commissioner positions, which may not be in your area.

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 1, and you’ll need to make sure your mail-in ballots get postmarked by that day or slipped into one of many drop boxes around town.

Veterans, seniors, and human services levy

One broad ballot measure is a renewal of a levy that’s been in place since 2005. It affects homeowners since it operates similarly to a property tax.

If approved, the county would collect an additional $0.10 per $1,000 of property valuation and put the money toward funding services and facilities that benefit veterans, current service members, seniors + their caregivers, and other local communities.

The levy would begin January 1, and continue for at least six years, with a flexible rate that could increase every year by up to 3.5%.

Local offices

While there are 46 offices on the ballot this time, there will be more races on the general election ballot in November. Only positions that have more than two candidates are up for votes now, since this election is meant to help whittle down your choices.

Councilmember offices that are on the ballot include positions in nearby cities like Kirkland, Redmond, and Burien.

Here in Seattle, there are 45 councilmembers on the ballot for seven districts. You can learn more about each candidate online.

If you haven’t received a ballot yet, or lost yours, you can download a replacement at any time or visit an in-person booth on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Events

Wednesday, July 19

Yoga With Atlee Treasure | Wednesday, July 19-Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 6-6:50 p.m. | Pier 62, 1951 Alaskan Way, Seattle | Free | New to yoga? These classes are designed to help you explore the practice through foundational poses.

Thursday, July 20

SEAtoday Trivia Night | Thursday, July 20 | 8 p.m. | Trade Winds Tavern, 2505 Second Ave. #105, Seattle | Free | Grab a drink and come hang out with City Editors Gabe + Alina while playing our game of Seattle-based trivia.

Friday, July 21

Bourbon & BBQ Summer Patio Pop-Up | Friday, July 21 | 4-9 p.m. | Hearth Kirkland, 220 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland | Price varies | Enjoy a feast that represents each region of Americana BBQ, along with Washington-sourced whiskey cocktails.
All-In: High Stakes Improv Comedy | Friday, July 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Csz Seattle, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle | $20 | Without a cast of other funny people to work with, two comedians will have to be quick and creative on their own.

Saturday, July 22

Summer Pop-up Market | Saturday, July 22 | 12-5 p.m. | Black Arts Love Gallery and Marketplace, 417 E. Pike St., Seattle | Free | Check out some local BIPOC vendors and artisans before grabbing a slice of pizza next door at Pagliacci.
Swipe Right | Saturday, July 22 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle | Free | Volunteers plug in their dating profile for improv comedians to critique and riff on.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Seattleite

Everyone, meet Joel Gartenberg — a Seattleite and long-distance runner who was voted “Favorite Trail Weirdo” by other US ultrarunners for his unique and silly style. Joel regularly runs 100-mile distances in crocs and shares candlelit, Ratatouille-themed dinners with other athletes. (Seattle Times)

Transit

Can’t stop, won’t stop moving. To help all the Taylor Swift fans expected for her Lumen Field concerts this weekend, local transit agencies are adding extra service. Swifties will be able to board the light rail, water taxis, some bus routes, and the Sounder train after midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

Travel

Paine Field airport has a sparkly new name: Seattle Paine Field International Airport. The change is to remind out-of-state and international travelers about the airport’s proximity to the city. (My Northwest)

Edu

Alright, smarty pants. The Seattle metro area — which includes the Eastside and Tacoma — was just ranked the ninth-most educated in the US. The WalletHub report used data like the number of adults over 25 with a bachelor’s degree and public school system quality to make its list. (My Northwest)

Family

Here’s a fun way to get the whole fam outdoors. Seattle Parks and Rec has launched a new educational augmented reality game where kids can earn prizes like tickets to local museums. The Puget Sound Explorer 5.0 Challenge runs until Thursday, Aug. 31 and can be downloaded on the Agents of Discovery website.

Community

All aboard — on Tuesday, Aug. 1, Bellevue will launch a new free shuttle program called BellHop that covers a four-mile radius between the Meydenbauer Center and NE 12th Street. The entirely electric service is available to anyone who requests a ride through the Circuit app. (Downtown Bellevue Network)

Health

King County is in the process of distributing bleeding control kits to local schools and high-traffic areas like transit stations and stadiums. The Stop the Bleed kits include gauze and tourniquets to help people address emergencies while waiting for first responders to arrive. (Seattle Times)

Drink Up

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya

Drink Up Month recipe: Jack Hits the Beach

Pro tip: mix up a batch of this tropical cocktail and bring it to your next pool party. | Photo by Travis Sanders

Dreaming of having a tropical drink melting in your hand? Maybe you’ve been listening to the Beach Boys or you’ve been waiting for another Drink Up Month recipe.

Local bartender Travis Sanders has managed cocktail programs at places like Serafina and Hotel Sorrento.

He’s also about to jet off to Peru to help deliver medical supplies (that he’s still raising money for) as part of the Angels of the Amazon nonprofit. In the meantime, he has a yummy recipe to share.

If you’d prefer Travis make it himself, you can find him at downtown’s Chan where he’ll keep an extra stash of his syrup just for you.

Jack Hits the Beach

1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s Bonded or other high proof whiskey
0.5 oz lime juice
0.75 oz homemade mango citrus syrup
Shake, pour over ice, and top with grapefruit soda.
Garnish with a slice of fresh mango.

Shop

Shop

Make sure your child’s wardrobe is upgraded this school year with Ducks & Drakes, a clothing company with tall kids at the heart of its designs.

Active

Contemplating an e-bike purchase? Upway — the No. 1 certified e-bike provider — sells top-quality electric bikes up to 60% cheaper than retail.

Eat

Slice and serve your favorite meats + cheeses on this sleek yet durable maple wood cutting board. Bonus: It’s preconditioned with beeswax, linseed, and lemon oil.

Travel

Don’t get stuck paying those pesky airline fees with a bag that exceeds the weight limit. Use this portable luggage scale to save time + money.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

Alright, I’m going to out myself as a Swiftie. I’m bummed I didn’t get tickets to the concert this weekend. I wasn’t really a fan yet when the tickets were released, but have since been indoctrinated in the months following. All of these themed events and news articles are giving me serious FOMO, but I’ll guess I’ll cope in the way that Swift fans do best: listening at home alone in the middle of a mild existential crisis.

Drink Up Month
What I’m drinking: Seeking Ferment‘s Peach Bellini kombucha

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