Is Amazon finally ready to turn a new leaf in its relationship with Seattle? The company announced yesterday that it would donate $5 million toward affordable housing and start a temporary employee matching fund for charitable giving.

The money will go to Plymouth Housing, a local nonprofit that focuses on securing homes for folks who are currently living homeless and experiencing problems like substance addiction or a physical or mental disability. The organization plans to build 800 apartments at eight locations around the city, using $75 million in private donations.

Amazon’s announcement comes one year to the day after the city’s controversial head tax imploded amid pressure from the company and other major employers. So is this the start of a new dynamic between Amazon and its hometown?

With Microsoft making national headlines for pitching in $500 million toward affordable housing, Amazon may have decided it can’t afford to be excluded from the corporate-giving conversation any longer. But it still has a long way to go to catch up with the philanthropic efforts of other companies in our region.

In other news…

Mike Rosenberg, The Seattle Times real estate reporter who admitted to sending unsolicited, sexually explicit messages to a New York-based freelance writer, has resigned his post at the newspaper. The Times said it completed an investigation into the matter but is not commenting on the findings. (The C is for Crank)

Are Seattle’s municipal golf courses a waste of space? Mayor Jenny Durkan has suggested the city-owned land might be better utilized as parks or affordable housing, but opponents say shutting them down would make an expensive sport even more inaccessible. (Associated Press, Q13)

The pets of those who are living homeless in Seattle need care, too, and veterinarian Hanna Eckstrom is on a mission to treat them all out of a repurposed ambulance. (KNKX)

Pagliacci Pizza is out to prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks. The local chain will open a sleek new restaurant on Capitol Hill this fall, along with its first-ever “pizza test kitchen.” (Eater)

Thanks to everyone who checked out our shrubs-making class earlier this week. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

🍸 I love bourbon. Bourbon bourbon bourbon. Here it goes down, down into my belly. Crafting Libations is next week — grab your ticket today. (South Lake Union)

🍽️ Our partners Voyager’s Table and Makers Workspaces are preparing a special farm-to-table dinner to go along with our Setting the Table: Living Sustainably community conversation next week. Don’t miss out! (Belltown)

Want to unlock big discounts at Evergrey events? Support The Evergrey with a membership.

Hood Canal is a nature lover’s paradise. Situated on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, the glacier-formed fjord is bursting with wildlife, seafood, recreation, and endless beauty.

Not convinced yet? We asked Evergrey readers for some of the best ways to experience the area:

Kathryn M.: “Go kayaking to see bioluminescence in the Hood Canal on a warm summer night.”

Leland H.: “Unexpected joys on a road where too many folks forget to stop.”

Chris P: “Hama Hama Oyster Saloon. Oyster heaven. You won’t find anything else like it anywhere.”

Head to our website for a list of six adventures that will help you plan the quintessential Hood Canal road trip.

ReachNow, the sponsor of this series (and summer adventures in general), is offering special deals on long-term BMW and MINI rentals. And if you need camping gear, they partnered with Xscape Pod to complete your Hood Canal adventure.

Download the ReachNow app and get ready to explore your wild side.

PRODUCED BY THE EVERGREY CREATIVE STUDIO WITH REACHNOW

Seattle’s public libraries are more than just a storage space for books. From video streaming to museum tickets, this Curbed article rounds up the myriad of resources available through SPL. And here’s a timely bonus item: free A/C. ❄️

Stay cool out there, everyone. We’ll see ya tomorrow.

— The Evergrey