For those who’ve been wondering (me!) how the emergency 9-1-1 system could possibly disappear for seven hours, Doug Esser at the Associated Press has looked into it and found:

Two days later they still don’t know. Or at least they aren’t saying.

CenturyLink, which provides 9-1-1 service here, has blamed it on an unnamed third-party vendor.

Our news partner The Seattle Times has Doug’s story here.

Today and through the weekend Reckless Video, 9020 Roosevelt Way N.E., is having:

* A video sale

* $2 rentals on all three-day titles.

For more information visit its Facebook page.

Afternoon update from our news partner The Seattle Times:

UPDATE: 1:20 p.m. |A team of CenturyLink technicians is investigating the cause of a hours-long interruption of 911 services across Washington early today.

“This is very serious. Our customers’ safety is our top priority,” said Jan Kampbell, CenturyLink’s spokeswoman for Western Washington.

The service interruption was detected about 1 a.m., and by 8 a.m., the company reported that service was fully restored to all 911 centers. During the interruption, some calls to 911 did go through to emergency services, but other calls got only a busy signal, Kampbell said.

Early reports linked the problem to a service interruption in Sheridan, Ore., but Kampbell said that was a separate and unrelated problem.

Update 7:52 a.m. King County says 9-1-1 restored.

Update 7:15 a.m. CenturyLink says 9-1-1 restored.

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At 4:50 a.m. King County announced that the 9-1-1 emergency dispatch system is down in Oregon and Washington, including King County.

If you have an emergency and are unable to get through to 9-1-1, call the following phone numbers in King County for your location.

Seattle: 206-583-2111

From the Associated Press/Seattle Times:

Emergency 911 service is down in most of the state of Washington.

A spokeswoman for CenturyLink, Kerry Zimmer, says the problem began about 1:30 a.m. Thursday at Sheridan, Ore., and Oregon was affected for a time.

She says the outage affects 911 dispatch centers throughout the state of Washington.

CenturyLink is working to find the cause of the problem and fix it.

At this time, there is no estimate for service restoration.

In the meantime, Zimmer recommends that people with an emergency try a 911 call from a cell phone, which sometimes works better than a land line.

“Northgate Nan” emails this afternoon:

I saw this Seattle Police van parked yesterday afternoon and two officers walking east on Northgate Way from the complex where FedEx is. It looked like they were stopping in to the businesses along the way. I thought this might be good for folks to know about with all the trouble going on lately.

Daniel emails this morning:

Late last night or early this morning (April 8), the residents of the Northgate Villa Condominium (Eighth Avenue Northeast and Northeast 105th Street) had their mailboxes forcibly pried open and their mail stolen. This is the second occurrence in less than a month.

The US Postal Service and the Seattle Police have both acknowledged that there has been a significant increase in residential mail theft in the Northgate and Maple Leaf neighborhoods. Residents are urged to pick up their mail daily and not to leave it out overnight.

We do from time to time get reports of mail theft. You can see a site search here.

The map at right is mail theft reports to Seattle Police in the neighborhood so far this year.

Update April 8: The police public affairs team has sent us the field reports on both the initial attack and the second one. The reports confirm both.

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Our post last week, “Armed teen pack near Northgate robs boys 11, 16,” has now drawn nearly three dozen comments.

Among them are at least two pieces of news.

The first is an update on the original attack, and a report of a more recent one.

This morning John posted, in the comments section, an email he received from Kipp Strong, a Seattle Police officer and member of the North Precinct Community Police Team.

There seems to be a group of kids from Whitman Middle School who have created some issues in the Northgate area. They have been named as suspects in a couple different incidents. I would encourage you, or anyone else to call 9-1-1 should you see this group creating any problems in your neighborhood.

Also this morning Catherine reported another incident in the area.

I am a home-stay host to two Saudi students. They told me about two Saudi students (who are studying at Kaplan) who were assaulted at a Northgate bus stop on 4/2/14 by a group of 10 males and 2 females. It was clearly a hate crime – the assailants made it clear they were attacking them because they were Saudi. According to my housemates, one student ended up in Harborview with his jaw broken in two places, and the other Saudi student received an injury to his head.

The police crime report map still does not show the original teen attack, or this new one from April 2.

In addition, Annie - the mother of the original victims who has been updating in comments - has observed that a different commentator’s post deserves to be called out.

Here it is, by “Observer” on April 5:

My 86 year old mother was conned out of $1,900 yesterday by a guy that claimed a part fell off her Subaru in the QFC parking lot, he was a “service tech” familiar with Subaru’s and then fixed the car with a “new” part that he just happened to have. Four door black truck, two male accomplices, two kids in the back seat. He drove her to the bank in her own car and smooth talked her out of a big chunk of change.

Absentee ballots have arrived in the mail for this month’s transit tax vote. Our last post on it drew enough comments that it’s worth noting three new stories in our news partner The Seattle Times.

First, the Times rather surprisingly opposed the tax - which was supported by a unanimous King County Council and by many area leaders - in an editorial over the weekend, saying Metro needs to do more to cut costs before voters pass a $60 car tab fee and a sales-tax increase.

The pattern is clear. As in previous rounds of asking taxpayers for more money, Metro sees its shortfall as a revenue problem, rather than thoroughly confronting its well-documented unsustainably high operating costs.

As to Metro’s announcement that without the money it will have to slash bus service by 17 percent:

If voters turn down Proposition 1, King County threatens a round of devastating bus-service cuts, many on popular routes including those carrying students to college. County and Metro leadership should not let that happen.

The threat ignores other options, including further fare increases and ever tighter control of administrative costs and capital expenses.

It’s worth remembering that the tax is nobody’s first choice for funding buses and other needs, but is a cobbled together Plan B after the state Legislature failed to act before going home last month.

Second, the Times today has a story out of the Eastside, where the Kirkland City Council voted 6-1 in favor of Proposition 1, but Belleuve business leaders opposed it.

A thumbs-up from the Kirkland City Council and a thumbs-down from the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce speak to the important role suburban voters could play in the fate of Metro’s Proposition 1 on the April 22 ballot.

Finally, the Times today posted the results of its survey on full Metro buses passing by waiting riders.

From 266 reader reports:

If you’re traveling north or south, you’ve got a greater chance of being passed up. Readers reported a total of 205 pass-ups, or about 77 percent of the total, on routes heading north or south.

The top time to get passed up? About 35 percent of pass-ups came during the afternoon rush between 5 and 6 p.m.

Route 40 might be the most crowded bus in Seattle.

This post in part is from our sister site Magnolia Voice.

Friends of the man who was injured during the KOMO news helicopter crash are raising money to help with his medical expenses. This weekend, all are invited to a “‘Pop Up Basement” (or garage) sale to support Richard Newman at Magnolia Lutheran’s Luther Hall.

The group is hoping to raise $2,500.00 to contribute to Newman’s expenses. Family friend, Tomackie Kim writes:

We are hoping that the community can come out to support Richard and his family by donating items on Friday and Saturday and shopping on Saturday 4/5 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Magnolia Lutheran Church located at 2414 31st Avenue West. We will be accepting as donations and selling: small furniture, household appliances, books, sporting goods, gently used and current clothing, craft items, holiday items, toys and all other reasonable garage sale items. (Please no large sofas, TVs or florist vases).

Shop, donate or both! No matter what, you are helping out.

Earlier, Maryanne emailed:

There are many Darrington residents who work in the Seattle area and whose commutes have suddenly become way longer. If anybody can offer local accommodation so that these folks don’t have to face the long drive twice a day, on top of everything else they’re going through, please contact Ron Yeagley at 425-319-3549.

Ron lives in Darrington, and has started coordinating this effort. He’s trying to get a website set up to help facilitate, but in the meantime he’d love to hear directly from anyone who can help. Could you add that Ron can be more easily reached via text? It’s a cell phone with sometimes spotty reception.

The Maple Leaf Grill - a neighborhood institution with Mrs. Peel on the north wall and a huge reclining nude on the south - this morning announced it will close May 23.

From the Leaf’s Facebook page:

It is with great sadness that I must officially announce the impending closure of the Maple Leaf Grill. After 25 years of serving the Maple Leaf community, our last day of service with be May 23rd. I don’t know what else to say except that is has been my pleasure to serve you for nearly 1/2 of those years and I will miss seeing all of your beautiful faces.

You still have about seven weeks to come get your grub on, enjoy the best burger in the city with a pint of your favorite local brew, scarf down a plate of stroganoff or carbonara, or sup lightly on Pat’s pan-seared trout. I do hope you’ll all stop in to say goodbye.

This leaves Maple Leaf with one fewer local restaurant - neighbors will remember LC’s Kitchen closing in the spring of 2011.

From The Stranger:

The kind of bar everyone wishes his or her neighborhood had, the Maple Leaf Grill is a cozy, worn-in den, perfect for folks in the area to walk to and grab a burger and a beer—with their kids or without. A giant horseshoe-shaped bar dominates the main room, making a good spot for solo diners who want some people-watching with their dinner.

From the Leaf’s own webpage:

The Maple Leaf Grill has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened its doors in the charming Maple Leaf area of Seattle in 1989. In 1999, the Grill relocated up the street to the light grey house that sits on the corner of 90th and Roosevelt Way NE. The house was built in the 1920’s and is on the highest point in north Seattle, with views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic mountains. In January 2004, Pat Paull, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, bought the Maple Leaf Grill becoming the executive chef/owner. Pat Paull promised the loyal neighborhood that he would “bring the Grill back,” which is what he’s done.

From the Leaf’s Facebook page.

The house at 843 N.E. 100th St. looks unassuming when walking your dog by on the street.

It’s a little hard to tell if it’s actually connected to the very similar structure immediately to the west, but which has a different address.

It’s impossible to realize that, seen from a different side, it looks like this:

Kafia, from Redfin.com - the Seattle-based real estate brokerage - sent us the link to that and 14 other photos - together with the news that the home was just named a Seattle historic landmark.

The 1,700-square-foot home was designed and built in 1949 by noted Seattle architect James J. Chiarelli. According to the landmark nomination, the home is considered a “locally significant example of Northwest Modernism that embodies the distinctive characters of its period of construction.”

The other photos, and more information, can be found at this link,which also says:

Designed by PNW icon James Chiarelli as his own home, this is a model of simplistic beauty. Sited for privacy, w/window walls framing views of wooded, magical backyard. Slightly cantilevered from the foundation, seeming to float above the landscape. Abalone flecked terrazzo floors throughout. L-shaped plan allows for master wing surrounded by nature.

Kafia adds that the house last sold in 2012 for $482,000.

Additional information can be found on this .pdf from the city Landmarks Preservation Board.

It’s not uncommon to see police reports about teens snatching iPhones or other mobile devices near the Northgate Mall/transit center area.

Sometimes, police say, attackers and victims know each other.

This report, which came in by email early this morning, is different.

My oldest and youngest sons went out for a walk with the dog late evening nice weather (@7 p.m.) last night and spend some allowance. They are 16 and 11.

On the way home they were approached by a group of 8-10 teen boys near US Bank on 8th Avenue Northeast. The teens asked what music was my son listening to. My boys tried to avoid these teens and go back towards Northgate Way to a more public spot. That was when my oldest got jumped. His iPhone and wallet were taken. He was punched in the mouth and almost stabbed (they cut his shirt) as one of the boys held a knife to his side.

The boys appeared to be from 12 to 16 years old, of mixed races. Some were wearing black hoodies.

My youngest ran with the dog and hid, then called 911. My oldest manages to get away and ran as fast as he could before finding help from a good Samaritan. They did a great job handling it all. Police took all the info and will see what they can do to catch the the guys. They said bank cameras usually capture footage with surveillance cameras. There’s a good chance this was filmed since my boys circled the bank while trying to form a plan of escape from the teens when they first saw them.

My oldest son has a fat lip. Both were really shaken up. The police said this stuff usually doesn’t happen right in this area. He commended them for their actions and said to continue life as usual. Not sure we will do that, but generally have an eye open for safety.

We bought our home here 1.5 years ago and never have felt unsafe. Hopefully, these kids get what they deserve. I can’t help but wonder where their parents are.

This report is too new to show on the police crime map. Also, it locked up when we asked it for a month’s worth of similar data.

We get reports from time to time of activities in Thornton Creek where it passes through Maple Leaf.

Most often they are about people cutting trees, or loitering.

Now we have one about fire starting.

Stephanie emails this morning:

I live on Eighth Avenue Northeast & Northeast 104th Street and there is a creek behind my house. I like to walk my dog through the trails on a regular basis. Last Wednesday I started walking him down when I saw a kid (potentially teenager) attempting to start a fire. As soon as he saw me he stomped on it and ran off. Just wanted to let people know who live around there to keep an eye out for kids & teens in the creek area that might be up to no good.

Katie writes: “I wanted to let the neighborhood know that I had a really scary solicitor today (Saturday). She lives at Northeast 92nd Street and Eighth Avenue Northeast.

I live in Maple Leaf and around 6:30 p.m. a tall black man in a Seahawks hat, blue coat and khaki’s knocked on my door. I didn’t answer.

I cracked my blinds and politely Pagessaid ” I’m not interested.” He went on to say that he wasn’t selling anything, more that I needed to “vote” for him for something.

I said that I was busy, and to please leave. He said NO and was really aggressive. I said that I was going to call the police if he didn’t leave. He screamed in my window ” I don’t give a F**K!”.

I called 911, who said they would go and find him.

Honestly, it was terrifying.

Please keep an eye out for him.

Updates:

From KIRO:

A Green Lake church was damaged Saturday afternoon after it was struck by lightning, said Seattle Fire Department officials. The incident happened at the Bethany Community Church in the 1100 block of North 80th Street before 5 p.m.

When firefighters arrived, they found a 2-foot by 4-foot hole above the altar. Fire officials said there was no fire but the electricity was knocked out.

Lightning strikes kill power in Ravenna, 25th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 75th, also at Green Lake Drive North and Northeast 80th Street.

Short-term forecast issued within the hour:

SHORT TERM FORECAST

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA

326 PM PDT SAT MAR 29 2014

.NOW…

A LINE OF SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL TRACK NORTHEAST THROUGH BREMERTON AND SEATTLE THROUGH 430 PM. THESE SHOWERS MAY PRODUCE BRIEF HEAVY DOWNPOURS…CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING STRIKES AND SMALL HAIL.

Earlier this morning the neighbors who own Maple Leaf’s heritage cherry tree posted new photos.

You can see them at the tree’s own Facebook page.

The tree, believed to be between 80 and 100 years old, is on the corner of Northeast 90th Street and 12th Avenue Northeast.