J. P. (short for Julius Pierpoint) Patches left us Sunday morning. The clown — real name Chris Wedes — was a hero to children of all ages, but especially to baby boomers who grew up watching the KIRO-TV children’s star from 1958 through 1981.  J. P. styled himself “mayor of the city dump.” J.P. starred […]

The Globe’s orphan plight has not gone unnoticed. Three years ago, three Seattle councilmembers, all former journalists, realized that, if the Globe were to escape the scrap metal heap, it would need protection as a landmark. And, unlike process as usual, the three councilmembers vowed to themselves nominate the globe for landmark status.

“We need to move forward now to immediately fix this problem. Ratepayers demand and deserve financial accountability from the utility. And they will get it,” said Councilmember Jean Godden.

January and February are often months of culinary news: word of new restaurants opening, old favorites moving to new locations, changing menus and staff. This year is no different. And the big news is that Wayne Johnson, Andaluca’s Executive Chef, is leaving to take over the kitchen at Ray’s Boathouse.

I have a vision for this city – a grand one that soon will be freed from a crumbling Viaduct that fenced us from the world’s sweetest deep-water harbor. I see a city that finally will be framed by a wonderful nine-acre parkland, an exciting whirlwind of activity, a skein of green pathways and trails. A waterfront for all of us, not just for cars, buses and trucks.

Councilmembers Jean Godden, Tim Burgess, and Bruce Harrell sit down with host Brian Callanan for a lively discussion of City issues.

What’s cuter than a roomful of puppies? A library full of children at a recent Friday Family Story Hour. The youngsters gathered to listen to me read “Bear Snores On,” at the Hamlin Robinson School. The school, a private school that successfully works with challenged students, initiated the free story hours as an outreach to neighborhood families.

Although recent days have been gloomy, views about the economy were decidedly upbeat at enterpriseSeattle’s annual board retreat at the Space Needle last week . Forecasts say the region can expect 250,000 new jobs or approximately 40,000 new jobs per year between 2010-2016. It’s expected that the region will outpace national growth.

This month – November – we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of a woman’s right to vote in our state. The roots of the women’s movement have grown into a critical part of our state’s political landscape. For candidates, it’s simple: If you don’t win the women’s vote, you lose.