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💥 When business interests and ‘lefty leanings’ collide
Thanks to Mary and the rest of the Seattle November Project crew for sharing their cheerful costumes and signs with us!
What Seattle is talking about
Corporate interests versus labor and the environment. Northwest roots versus the pull of becoming a “world class city.”
Seattle’s WTO protests took place 20 years ago this week. The Emerald City looks a bit different these days, but the underlying tensions behind the event will sound familiar to anyone following local politics.
On Nov. 30, 1999, what started as a peaceful demonstration against a World Trade Organization meeting at the Washington State Convention Center erupted in chaos when Seattle Police began firing tear gas and wooden bullets at protesters.
The melee, known as the Battle of Seattle, lasted for days. The aftermath included 157 arrests, $20 million in property damage and lost sales for closed businesses, and the resignation of police chief Norm Stamper. The WTO meeting ended up getting shut down.
It was a pivotal moment for Seattle, charting the way for future demonstrations — and the way police respond to them.
And it introduced the country to some of the quirks behind Seattle’s collective identity. Writing in Crosscut, columnist Knute Berger says WTO “showed off the city’s yin and yang of competing views: a pro-business town with a tradition of protest and lefty leanings…”
In other news…
Speaking of the ’90s, it’s been 25 years since Alanis Morisette’s “Jagged Little Pill” album hit the airwaves. Her anniversary tour comes to the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn on June 3, and tickets go on sale next week. (Q13 Fox)
The Dawgs have a new football coach. Chris Petersen, one of UW’s most successful coaches in recent memory, will step down at the end of the season and transition into a “leadership advisory role” with the university’s athletic department. Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will become head coach next year. (Associated Press)
There’s a new controversial TV report out about Seattle’s homelessness crisis. This time, Anderson Cooper and “60 Minutes” zeroed in on a handful of employed individuals struggling to find affordable housing. But a lot was left unsaid. (CBS News, GeekWire)
We finally know what’s taking the place of Little Uncle on Capitol Hill. Taurus Ox, specializing in Laotian cuisine, is set to open before the holidays. Expect Laos-style pork sausage, khao ji sandwiches, and plenty of sticky rice. (Eater)
Our newest member perk
By now, you’re probably familiar with our Seattle-themed illustrations. Like that time we illustrated the unspoken rules of Seattle, or when we shared ways to survive the zombie apocalypse. As a new, exclusive member benefit, we’re illustrating our members’ life stories. That’s right, we’re helping our members become the hero of their very own digital comic book. It’s not too late to join the fun! All you have to do is become a member here.
Today
🏰 Show off your Harry Potter knowledge at Yule Ball trivia (Capitol Hill)
🎙️ Bring your songs, stories, and poetry to open mic night (South Park)
🌾 Join KUOW to discuss food, agriculture, and social change (Shoreline)
Tomorrow
🤓 Brush up on Seattle history in honor of the city's 150th birthday (Downtown)
🍫 Bright Side or Dark Side? Pick a side at jcoco's one-night-only sensory chocolate wonderland, benefiting Northwest Harvest on Dec. 4. Get Tickets Now (Sponsor)
👔 Don your suit and tie and sip on some whiskey with the gents (U-District)
📚 Enjoy some pages and people watching at a silent reading party (First Hill)
🍸 Throw it back at this evening of cocktails, prohibition style (Fremont)
Thursday
🎨 Shop for the art-lovers on your list at this holiday market (Pioneer Square)
🎬 Watch big mountain adventures on a big screen (Downtown) —starts Wednesday
🍿 Catch a holiday flick and donate to our neighbors in need (Ballard)
Friday
🎺 Take in a "darkly comic musical portrait" about class, race, family, and love (Lower Queen Anne) —through Dec. 8
💃 Get in the holiday spirit with Seattle drag legend Dina Martina (Downtown) —through Dec. 24
🍺 Sample winter brews from 50 local breweries (Northeast Seattle) —through Saturday
Saturday
🎅 Meet Asian-American Santa and pick up some holiday gifts (International District)
🛍️ Shop Seattle's largest indie craft fair (Lower Queen Anne) —through Sunday
💀 Break out your best costume for the Nightmare Before Christmas Ball (Capitol Hill)
🙌 Disrupt isolation and disconnectedness at Civic Saturday's 3 year celebration (First Hill) Everyone is welcome! (Partner)
Sunday
🎶 Bring the kiddos to KEXP's holiday dance party (Waterfront)
😂 Laugh it up at a Die Hard Christmas comedy show (Green Lake) —through Dec. 28
🖌️ Join a holiday paint party at Wa Na Wari (Central District)
Monday
❓ Treat yo self to some Parks & Rec trivia at the Crocodile (Belltown)
🎄 Trim your tree for a good cause with El Centro de la Raza (Beacon Hill) —through Dec. 20
⚖️ Learn about the history of immigration imprisonment in the U.S. (First Hill)
One more thing...
Today is Giving Tuesday, so now’s a great time to make a donation to your favorite nonprofit. Wondering which local orgs are participating? Here’s where to find ’em.
Happy giving!
— The Evergrey