Queen Anne &Magnolia news
Cinema Italian Style at SIFF
On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Cinema Italian Style festival opens at SIFF Cinema Uptown with a movie screening and an Opening Night Party at KEXP.
Queen Anne’s Dr. Claudio Mazzola, a professor in the Italian Department at the University of Washington, will be there to welcome guests as one of the original founders of Cinema Italian Style. The festival developed out of a correspondence between Dr. Mazzola and Mario Lorini, an old friend who was the director of an organization of representing theaters presenting films by new and upcoming Italian directors as well as classic
Italian films. Through these discussions, Mr. Lorini and Dr. Mazzola decided to approach SIFF with a proposal to start an Italian Film in Seattle. As a result, in 2011 Cinema Italian Style was born.
From 2011 thru 2017 SIFF programmers, Mr. Lorini and Dr. Mazzola focused on selecting the best films that Italian filmmakers were making and bringing them to Seattle audiences. By 2018 SIFF programmers had developed many connections with Italian filmmakers and producers and Mr. Lorini and Dr. Mazzola relinquished their roles as programmers. However, to this day Dr. Mazzola is still an
Ballard's new women's soccer team reveals name
gnolia news gnolia news
Following the July announcement of a new USL W League team coming to Ballard, the leadership behind Ballard FC has officially unveiled the team's name and brand: Salmon Bay FC.
This exciting reveal marks the next step in bringing pre-professional women's soccer to Seattle, with the team set to kick off its inaugural season in spring 2025.
The name "Salmon Bay FC" pays homage to the Salmon Bay waterway that connects Ballard to the sea, embodying the team's deep ties to the local community. The newly revealed badge showcases the majestic Brothers Mountains, a familiar sight from Ballard and surrounding areas, with the Salmon Bay Bridge as its focal point.
Tiffany Mallick, vice president of Salmon Bay FC, explains the significance of the team's name.
“Salmon Bay has long been a vital connection between Seattle and the wider world, much like how we envision our team connecting local talent to the broader landscape of women's soccer,” Mallick said. “By choosing this name, we're not just representing a geographical area, but embodying the spirit of connection, transition, and growth that Salmon Bay symbolizes. We're creating a platform where women athletes can thrive and where the community can come together to support the advancement of women's soccer.”
The team will call the newly renovated Interbay Stadium home, promising an accessible and familyfriendly atmosphere for fans. Wombi, a full-service e-bike subscription, has signed on as Salmon Bay FC’s title sponsor.
"Our badge design creates a strong visual connection to our men's team, Ballard FC, while carving out a unique identity for our women's team," said Sam Zisette, president and co-founder of the club. "With Salmon Bay FC, we’re continuing our club’s tradition of expanding access to community experiences through soccer for athletes and supporters.”
Led by an ownership group that includes NWSL players and influential women in Seattle sports and business, Salmon Bay FC is poised to help accelerate the growth of our local women’s sports scene.
"We're thrilled to invite our community to be part of Salmon Bay FC from day one," says Lauren Barnes, club owner and captain of Seattle Reign FC. "The response since we first announced that a USL W team is coming to Ballard has been overwhelming, and now fans can show their support in tangible ways."
As excitement builds towards the spring 2025 kickoff, supporters can take action to be part of this historic journey. Fans can visit salmonbayfc.com to purchase season tickets and be among the first to own official Salmon Bay FC merchandise. The website also features more details about the team's vision and upcoming events.
For the latest updates, follow @salmonbayfc on Instagram, Facebook, or X, or subscribe to the community newsletter through the team's website.
By Chuck Schafer
SIFF correspondent
Dr. Claudio Mazzola and Italian film director Liliana Cavani with his class at University of Washington.
Dr. Claudio Mazzola speaking at SIFF's Cinema Italian Style.
COURTESY OF CLAUDIO MAZZOLA
COURTESY OF SIFF. SIFF, 4
Queen Anne & Magnolia Worship Services
Sunday Worship at 10am Live Streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube. Simply look for Magnolia Lutheran Church.
Twelfth Church of Christ, Scientist
In Person and Online Church Services
All are welcome & warmly invited to join these healing services
For best audio results, please join by clicking on the link from your computer or smartphone and choose “Call Over Internet”
All Zoom Services Meeting ID: 418 806 2637 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4188062637
Sunday Services 11:00am – 12noon Pacific
Wednesday Testimonies 7:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific
Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons
Our weekly Bible Lesson Sermon may be found here: https://quarterly.christianscience.com/
Additional Healing Resources: ChristianScience.com CSWashington.com SeattleMetroReadingRoom.org
For additional assistance, please contact us at seattle12cs@gmail.com or 206.283.2300 ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com
For a Healthier You CHIROPRACTORS
DENTISTS
Queen Anne Dental Group
Dr. Frank J. Calvo & Family
Cosmetic, Implant, & General Dentistry
400 Boston St. 206-284-7812 www.QADG.net
Chiropractic AND Massage Therapy
Darrell Gibson, D.C. • Sarah Gibson, D.C. Graeme Gibson, D.C.
David E. Goodall III, LMT
Sarah Rose Nottingham, LMT Lauren E. Traynor, LMT
SERVING THE FAMILIES OF QUEEN ANN E SINCE 1991 1905 Queen Anne Ave N • 206.282.8275 www.QueenAnneChiro.com
The Magnolia Historical Society launches new book, website
Submitted
“More Memories & Milestones” was launched Oct. 26 at a festive Halloween themed party, highlighting Magnolia's pumpkin man Greg Shaw's giant pumpkin patch. The excerpt read from Shaw's story "The Tale of Magnolia's Giant Pumpkin Patch" was well-received as were the party favors of giant pumpkin seeds, vintage treats like Twinkies and traditional Halloween treat bags with full sized candy bars and vintage candy! The crowd colored and crafted and participated in a free raffle.
The Society launched the book, a new website, and the Kindle Editions of its award winning/nominated series of its three previous books. The Magnolia history books: “MAGNOLIA: Memories & Milestones,”
“MAGNOLIA: Making More Memories,” and “MAGNOLIA: Midcentury Memories” can now be found on the Amazon Kindle Books site for $9.99. The new online, ongoing book can be found at www.magnoliahistoricalsociety.org
The history of Fire Station No. 41; Bonnie Beers, the first woman firefighter for Seattle a past Magnolia resident; Magnolian Ruth Prins’ life story, including her work as the 1950’s TV Star Wunda Wunda, a new
BRIEFS
Holiday bazaar Nov. 15-16
Providence Mount St. Vincent presents The Mount's Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale. The bazaar will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 15-16.
The free bazaar will take place in the east entrance front lobby at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW, Seattle. For more information, contact Veronica at veronica.couto@ providence.org or 206-923-3975. Cash and check preferred, cards also accepted.
American Legion Veteran’s Day observation set
The American Legion Post One invites all to a Veteran’s
feature “How Magnolia Got Its Street Names,” the 35-year history of The Magnolia Chorale and several humorous minimemories make up this excellent kick-off collection.
MHS Board members Kate Criss, Amy Plantenberg and Melissa Islam brought the new website and book to life.
Content editor Monica Wooton and copy editor Julia Thompson refined material written by Patty McKeehan, Greg Shaw, Sherrie Quinton, Ben Lukoff and others. Co-President Dee St George, with additional Board Members, Kathy Cunningham, Claudia Lovgren and Carol Burton served on the party committee. Co-President Brian Hogan served as master of ceremonies.
Writers, peer editors and story ideas are now being sought for the next collection of stories. Memoirs and memories from the 1970’s and 1980’s are particularly sought and several new stories are in the works: the history of birding at Discovery Park, Magnolia's Bookstore history, and a look at what Magnolia would have been if developers had their way in the early 1900's are among the stories now being worked on by Magnolians making more Magnolia history. Experience our new website and book: www.magnoliahistoricalsociety.org
Sound Transit’s West Seattle Extension project now estimated to total around $7B
By Spencer Pauley The Center Square
Day observation at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11.
The observation will take place at Fort Lawton Poste Cemetery, Discovery Park in Seattle.
Special thanks to:
Marques Sweet, OIC, Ft Lawton Post National Cemetery
Debra Wood, Commander, TAL Post ONE
Troop 80, Scouts of America
Starbucks Magnolia Village
Rotary Club of Magnolia
Seattle University ROTC Cadets and Cadre
Tahoma National Cemetery
American Legion Post One Auxiliary
Aly Teeter, Commander, VFW Post 3063
Sound Transit’s West Seattle Link Extension project is now projecting estimated costs to total around $7 billion as the agency’s board of directors approves selected routes and stations.
Sound Transit’s new cost estimate for the West Seattle Link Extension is set between $6.7 billion and $7.1 billion. The project’s final Environmental Impact Statement from September previously estimated the project to cost between $5.1 billion and $5.6 billion, 27% less than the new projection of the maximum estimated $7.1 billion price tag.
Officials said they underestimated costs, which accounts for the price increase.
Due to the increased cost projections, the Sound Transit Board of Directors passed a motion directing the agency to create a plan that includes financial and project-level measures to improve its financial situation and move the project through design.
The new cost estimates came alongside the agency moving forward in the West Seattle Link Extension project, as the Sound Transit Board of Directors approved select routes and stations on Thursday.
The selected West Seattle Link Extension routes and stations include a station on 41st Avenue in the West Seattle junction; one on Andover Street in the Delridge segment; a South Crossing alternative in the Duwamish segmental; and an at-grade lander access station in the
SODO segment.
The selected alignment incorporates refinements requested by the Sound Transit board when it identified the preferred alternative in 2022.
“Through the board-directed work plan, our action today allows Sound Transit to use the design process to address cost pressures, reduce impacts, and prepare projects for construction, fulfilling our promise to the voters,” King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine said in a statement.
The project will extend the light rail by approximately four miles and serve four new stations in the SODO, Delridge, and West Seattle neighborhoods.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Was a natural gas ban eventually planned for Washington state?
By TJ Martinell The Center Square
The passage of Initiatives 2117 and 2066 next month could have implications for public policies related to statewide efforts to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, Department of Ecology officials said at a recent Washington Climate Partnership meeting.
For proponents of I-2066, which would prohibit a ban on natural gas by state and local governments, the admission is a tacit acknowledgement that the state eventually
planned to do just that.
This year the Department of Commerce released its Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), funded through a $3 million grant and intended to “create an implementable, equitable, and comprehensive plan to get to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” The plan is also intended to help entities in Washington state apply for federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to fund greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Commerce's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program Manager Dina Geiszler said at the
Washington Climate Partnership's Oct. 28 meeting that “while this plan is more focused on statewide and regional climate actions, we are interested in identifying common themes across local plans to identify measures that will make local climate action plans easier to implement.”
“We have lots of climate plans across the state and local governments, but there hasn't been a comprehensive plan that covers all sectors of the economy for Washington since 2008,” she added.
SAFEWAY SET TO OPEN
active sponsor of the festival as well as being involved in promoting Italian films.
Mazzola has been working with SIFF for 16 years on Cinema Italian Style. Beth Barrett, the Artistic Director of SIFF, said “His knowledge about Italian film is expansive, and he has been a key partner in the success of the festival!” Adding, “he is integral to connecting the films to not just the community, but also the University of Washington students” where he has been teaching since 1999.
Before joining the faculty at UW, Mazzola received his "Laurea" in English from the University of Milan in 1981. He also received a degree in cinema studies from the City University of Milan. Mazzolathen went on
to receive a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Washington in 1986. Other teaching experiences include the University of Michigan, Vassar College, and the College of the Holy Cross.
From a very early age, Mazzola was fascinated by movies and was on a path to become a true cinephile. As a teenager in Italy, there were times when he would attend up to three films a day, which was difficult because in those times theaters were the only venue for watching films. This lifelong passion for cinema has been a guiding factor in his work. From teaching Italian cinema classes at the University of Washington to helping start the Italian Film Festival for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), Mazzola has helped expand knowledge of Italian
AUTUMN ADVENTURES
Cinema across the Pacific Northwest.
“Every year, our Italian filmmaking guests attend his class, and those are often the highpoints of their visit,” Barrett said. And Dr. Mazzola had another motive for helping birth the Cinema Italian Style Festival: he arranged his course schedule to teach his Italian Film class in the same quarter as the SIFF Italian Style Festival.
As part of the class curriculum, he assigns three films from the festival and then in class they would analyze and discuss the films. In addition, Mazzola convinced the directors of the films to come to Seattle and to his class to discuss their film. Typically, filmmakers come to film festivals to promote their films. This has not been the case for many of the foreign filmmakers. They tend to be more interested in understanding how American audiences respond to their films. They are very interested in asking the students in Dr. Mazzola’s class probing questions. In some cases, he would also have actors, producers, or technical people come from the films to attend class to discuss the making of the films from their perspective. Over the years of teaching
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Jeremy Hargreaves with Evolved Energy Research told attendees at the meeting that “at a high level, there are two big challenges in Washington. We don't have a lot of emissions from electricity, but we're trying to achieve this 45% below 1990 levels by 2030 - that is not so far in the future now. And decarbonizing electricity doesn't get us there, so we need to decarbonize other things.”
“What we've seen in the past is we need to do a little bit more than that and start to decarbonize fuels, and that's a challenge for Washington in the near term, achieving that 2030 emissions target,” he added.
his class this has provided an invaluable experience for his students. Students in these classes tend to ask questions that help them understand the intricacies and complexities of film making. This is information that would be difficult to obtain from a textbook or academic lecture. On RateMyProfessors.com, one student said, “Claudio is a passionate teacher, and it is easy to tell he genuinely cares about each student's learning.” Another said, “I did not think I would like this class but Claudio BLEW MY MIND. He is a film genius and one of the best professors I have had at UW,” and, “I left the class with a new love for film and Italy!” Most of his ratings are in the “Awesome” category and this writer agrees.
This year Cinema Italian Style features some of the best Italian films. Entering its 16th year, the festival will take place November 7–14, 2024 at SIFF Cinema Uptown. On opening night, the film will be There’s Still Tomorrow, Italy’s highest grossing film of 2023. It is a vibrant, moving drama starring Paola Cortellesi (Like a Cat on a Highway) in her directorial debut. If you decide to attend one of the films and you see Claudio, say Hello and Thank You!
More information on Cinema Italian Style at SIFF.net Watch for more regular film updates from the new SIFF correspondent for Queen Anne & Magnolia News. Chuck Schafer is a longtime Queen Anne resident and an avid film lover. He’s a retired IBM Managing Consultant who can be found regularly at UW studying under theACCESS program that allows seniors to audit classes for a low cost, including Dr. Mazzola’s film class.
climate laws would be necessary to meet those limits. “
She also wrote that “the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) would still need to reflect our state’s current and proposed greenhouse gas reduction policies and measures. We’re required by the Environmental Protection Agency, which funds this work, to identify whether state agencies have the necessary authority to implement the greenhouse gas reduction measures in the CCAP.”
To achieve the 95% greenhouse gas emission reduction below 1990 levels, “we not only need to decarbonize all of the energy use in the state electricity, transportation, RCI [Residential, Commercial, and Industrial], even our industrial process CO2.”
While the PCAP and other greenhouse gas emission effort planners have contemplated various measures to achieve those goals, questions were raised during the meeting regarding how I-2117, which would repeal the state Climate Commitment Act, and I-2066 would impact those measures.
Ecology Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Planning Lead Rylie Ellison told the meeting attendees that "one of the things we're required to identify is ‘Do we have authority to implement the measures?’
Those two initiatives will, of course, impact our authority to implement specific measures, so we will wait to see. Of course, that could affect where there might be additional gaps to fill for the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.”
The Center Square reached out to Ellison for clarification as to what measures would be affected by which initiatives. In an email reply, Climate Pollution Reduction Program Jordyn Bauerlein wrote that “as an agency, we don’t take positions on ballot measures. It’s worth noting, however, that Washington has legal limits on greenhouse gas emissions – ultimately, we’re required to reduce emissions by 95% by 2050. So, in the absence of Cap-and-Invest, other regulatory tools and new
While neither Ellison nor Bauerlein specifically mentioned a natural gas ban as among measures to reduce carbon emissions that would be impacted, the Building Industry Association of Washington wrote in an email that “when the Department of Ecology acknowledges they wouldn’t be able to do certain measures if (I)2066 passes, they are all but admitting they are actively taking steps to ban the use of gas appliances in our homes.
“That is accurate, we know that because that’s what the state is doing in a number of different venues, be it at Ecology, the State Building Code Council, the Utilities and Transportation Commission and/or at certain local government levels. I-2066 leaves energy choice in the hands of consumers not government.”
Other entities that have examined shifting away from natural gas to achieve zero emission goals include the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. In its plan, PSCAA noted recent efforts by state agencies to transition from natural gas: “It is anticipated that most new building will select electric-fueled appliances due to the reduced expense of this construction method. Even buildings that opt for natural gas will have a significant reduction in their natural gas consumption, and therefore GHG emissions, compared to prior building code due to the increased efficiency requirements.”
However, the PSCAA plan also noted that “natural gas combustion for building heat does not have a detectable or uniquely identifiable impact on criteria and toxics pollutant concentrations in our region. Instead, any benefit would primarily be identifiable as reductions in the overall emissions inventory.”
The Grand Opening of Queen Anne's new Safeway is set for 5 a.m. Nov. 9. After two and a half long years, the six-story building is ready to welcome shoppers. In addition to all of the regular grocery needs, there will be a deli, florist, pharmacy, and underground parking. The residential units above the store are expected to open next year.
PHOTO BY LAURA MARIE RIVERA
SIFF
By Spencer Pauley
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently signed legislation that reduces the design process time to bolster housing development in the downtown area.
The bill creates a three-year exemption from the design review process for projects that provide housing, lodging, and research and development. Projects have to be within the downtown core, South Lake Union, the Uptown neighborhood, First Hill and parts of the Greater Duwamish Manufacturing and Industrial Center.
The city expects the exemption to reduce the time for the planning and design process by six to nine months.
The design review largely entails building aesthetics, according to the city. Despite the new exemption, any development proposals would still need to obtain permits from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections that relate to land use, health, safety, and building code.
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is primarily supported by its fees and charges. However, declining permitting activity and revenues in the department’s Construction and Inspections Fund have led to 20 positions being cut as part of the proposed 2025-2026 budget.
Through August 2024, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections issued permits totaling $1.7 billion in project valuation. The department anticipates an additional $1.5 billion in intake valuation for the rest of 2024.
Harrell’s newly-signed legislation is another action to help enforce his Downtown Activation Plan, which has a goal of transforming the downtown area into a more residential
neighborhood.
“The Downtown Activation Plan is our blueprint to revitalize Seattle’s downtown core as a safe, active, and vibrant shopping, cultural and entertainment, employment, and residential destination for families, workers, and visitors,” Harrell said in a news release.
“This legislation establishes a more efficient, flexible design review process that will reduce the amount of time and cost of development, cutting through red tape to make new projects easier and more cost effective to build.
Last year, the Seattle City Council passed legislation that speeds up the environmental review process so residential building developers can build housing in the downtown area faster.
Harrell’s office touted the success of the Downtown Activation Plan in recent months. For instance, there were more than 3 million visitors in downtown Seattle in September, with downtown hotel occupancy reaching 100% of pre-pandemic demand.
Data from the Downtown Seattle Association shows signs of increasing growth of residential occupancy in the downtown core. In September, the number of occupied apartment units downtown reached nearly 59,000. That is a 15% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.
By Spencer Pauley
The top contributor to a $1.55 billion Seattle transportation levy is a contracting company that recently made costly errors to the King County Metro’s RapidRide bus service.
According to public documents, the Bellingham-based heavy civil general contractor Jansen Inc. has contributed $50,000 to the “Keep Seattle Moving” campaign. That is the highest contribution to the campaign. It is 70% more than the second highest contribution of $15,000 from Professional and Technical Employees Local 17 PAC and John Stanton from Trilogy Partnerships, respectively.
The Keep Seattle Moving levy – or Proposition 1 – is the largest tax proposal in city history. The eight-year levy package is expected to cost a median homeowner in Seattle approximately $546 a year if passed by voters on Nov. 5.
“I’m hopeful Seattle voters continue to Vote No on Proposition 1 and will not be swayed by the lobbyists and self-serving private contractors spending sky-high sums to prop up Proposition 1, which would be unaffordable, inequitable, and ineffective,” said Alex Pedersen, former Seattle Transportation Committee chair, in an email to The Center Square.
Jansen Inc. has worked with the city in the past. Recently, the company was contracted by King County Metro and the Seattle Department of Transportation to complete work on the $144.3 million RapidRide line bus route.
However, earlier this month, it was reported by multiple news outlets that all of the 25
new bus shelters and three station platforms need to be repaired because of raised bump measurements not being taken into account. This restricts wheelchair access.
Repairs are now underway in order to make the RapidRide expansion more wheelchair accessible.
As of Wednesday, the Keep Seattle Moving campaign has raised $339,876 in contributions. Approximately $312,800 in contributions have been used as of Monday.
City leaders are relying on the levy proposal to replace the funding generated by the current Levy to Move Seattle, which expires at the end of 2024. The expiring levy represents roughly 30% of the Seattle Department of Transportation budget.
According to the 2025-2026 proposed budget, the city is set to lose approximately $103 million in annual transportation funding with the current Levy to Move Seattle expiring at the end of the year.
The Center Square reached out to Jansen Inc. for comment on its financial support of the tax proposal, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
The Center Square
The Center Square