The Seattle Storm are giving Seattle multiple reasons to be proud. Not only are they dominating on the court with an 8-1 record putting them at the top of the Western Conference but they and the WNBA have taken a stand to advocate and support the BLM movement. Last month the Storm launched “Force4Change” which unites the organization in their “effort to support voter registration and amplify local Black leaders and nonprofits serving Black communities.” (Crosscut)

Seattle City Council voted 7-1 on Monday night to approve cuts to the Seattle Police Department’s budget. Councilmember Kshama Sawant was the lone dissenter pushing for a 50% cut effective immediately. Over the year, the cuts will equate to a total of $11 million dollars. The budget cuts include laying off 100 officers and then investing $17 million into the community. (Capitol Hill Seattle Blog)

Chief Best announced her decision to retire effective September 2 on Monday night after the budget cuts were passed. Reactions have varied across the board to the news. The Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County chapter decried Best’s retirement, calling it a loss to the movement. Activist and former mayoral candidate Nikkita Oliver stated that Best chose to be on the side of a racist institution and protected the status quo. (The Seattle Times)

A more sustainable coffee without the bean is coming to Seattle. Atomo Coffee has raised 9 million dollars to fund its environmentally-friendly venture. The grounds will be made from upcycled plant materials like seeds and stems rather than coffee beans. Oh and get this, their roastery? It’s just blocks away from fellow Seattle coffee company Starbucks, they plan to come to market in 2021. (GeekWire)

Seattle’s housing market is slowly crawling back. The latest real estate figures showed that more single-family house and condo listings came onto the market this month than any other month since May 2019. (Seattle Met)

On Tuesday I asked for you to send in your favorite neighborhood businesses to give them a shoutout in the newsletter. You guys shared a bunch of names and now I have a very busy weekend planned…

If you didn’t have time or didn’t see Tuesday’s newsletter I still want to know about your favorite neighborhood gems! There are lots of lists out there with the “best pizza” or “best sandwich” but I want to know the places you go to because they make you feel at home. Send me an email with their name and a bit about them and why you love them so much for next Wednesday.

El Farol Mexican Restaurant (Capitol Hill)
“They never fail to smile, recognize you each time you come into the restaurant and remember your order. They are friendly, sweet, super fast and serve great food.  They are working hard to stay open during the pandemic. If you live on Capitol Hill, near 15th Avenue East, please go into El Farol and make a new friend in your neighborhood.” —Tammy Leland

Both Ways Café (Seward Park)
“Amazinggg biscuits and cute atmosphere.”—Corinne Molz

Alair (West Seattle)
“Not only do they have neat Seattle/West Seattle centric stuff, but Shandan [Graybeal] has worked hard to be inclusive and supportive of her community and other businesses. She sends out a periodic newsletter that highlights other local businesses and allows her customers to know where they may be contributing when they buy from her store! I can not say enough good things about this woman and her business!” —Tiffany Sewell Campbell

Crepe Cafe (Ravenna/Bryant)
“It’s run by an incredibly sweet couple who make absolutely delicious crepes, and they are in need of more business during this time of crisis! They’re doing takeout via phone or online order, and the crepes are as delicious as ever.” —Michelle Rosenthal

Talarico’s (West Seattle)
“In addition to the slices, Talarico’s offers a nice variety of Italian-inspired pub fare, and as stated above, the staff are great. Besides being genuinely happy to see you when you walk in, many of them have a knack for adding special touches. One pre-pandemic example: Without even asking, our server one day had pre-cut Mom’s cheesy garlic bread into bite-sized pieces, clearly having noticed that she is both elderly and quite frail. That simple awareness and kindness made my day.” —Shelley Goulding 

Man’oushe Express and Goodies Mediterranean Market (Lake City Way)
“The Mana’eesh flatbreads at Man’oushe are delicious, especially the zaatar and cheese. On the building’s lower level, Goodies carries grocery staples and products from across the Mediterranean. They’ve got an olive bar and halal, free-range, grass-fed meats, too. I love that it’s a one-stop-shop where you can eat, pick up groceries AND support two local businesses.” —Kelly Knickerbocker 

Amy’s Merkato (Hillman City)
“Delicious baklava, Ethiopian food (and cooking staples) and yummy sandwiches. A great, affordable takeout option and lovely service as well!”—Megan MacDonald

Luna Azul (Greenwood)
“This POC-owned restaurant on Greenwood Avenue opened a few months before the pandemic and serves excellent Mexican food. Their vegetarian Gordita Enchiladas are a pandemic staple, and their Taco Tuesdays are delicious.” —Jen Davidson

Thanks for your emails! 💖

On Tuesday I asked you for local businesses you’d like to give a shoutout to. I’ve got got a growing list and I want to hear more! Keep sending ’em my way.

And if you’re wanting to know some different ways to help restaurant workers, those who are experiencing food insecurity or support protestors then check out this awesome list from Eater Seattle that gives you the lowdown on where to donate or volunteer.

Take it easy and we’ll see you back here tomorrow. ✌️

—The Evergrey