Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Seattle Open Tennis Championships

• A deep-dive into the life of Princess Angeline

• Downtown Seattle in process of a big transformation

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

-Henry Ford

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Seattle landmark is an observation tower built for the 1962 World's Fair, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound?

A) Columbia Center

B) Smith Tower

C) Space Needle

D) Seattle Great Wheel

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

The iconic Seattle market known for its fresh seafood and "flying fish" is A) Pike Place Market.

News

💼 Business

Downtown Seattle is undergoing a transformation, reimagining itself as an urban village to attract a better mix of residents, office workers, and customers. (link)

The pandemic's impact on downtown Seattle has been significant, with a 21.2% office vacancy rate, but the city is showing signs of recovery and resilience with new business openings following numerous closures​​. (link)

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce discussed legislative updates, public safety, and state-wide law enforcement advocacy. (link)

Seattle's business landscape is adapting with endeavors like office-to-residential conversions, aiming to revitalize the downtown area. (link)

🏒 Sports

Olympic gold medalist Nevin Harrison is preparing to defend her title in sprint canoe, highlighting Seattle's representation on the international sports stage.(link)

A legendary Yelm wrestling coach announced his retirement after a 50-year career, marking the end of an era for the local sports community. (link)

The Seattle Seahawks introduced Mike Macdonald as their new head coach, signaling a new direction for the team's future. (link)

Anacortes basketball prodigy Davis Fogle is leading his team towards a state championship, embodying the aspirations of Seattle's young athletes. (link)

🏦 Finance

Funding for new affordable housing projects in Seattle has decreased by 64% this year, with the city allocating $53.3 million to four new projects compared to $147 million to 12 projects last year. (link)

MLK Labor co-hosted a Public Safety Summit on Wage Theft with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 California Golden Bears at Washington Huskies Men's Basketball
Alaska Airlines Arena, Seattle
Wednesday, Feb. 17th | (More Info)

🎾 Seattle Open Tennis Championships
Seattle Tennis Club, Seattle
Friday, February 16th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Madonna
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Sunday, Feb. 18th | (More Info)

🎧 Darude Together Album Tour
Ora Nightclub, Seattle
Saturday, Feb. 17th | (More Info)

🎷 Mindi Abair
Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, Seattle
Thursday, Feb. 15th | (More Info)

🎸 Juanes NORTH AMERICA TOUR
Moore Theater, Seattle
Wednesday, Feb. 14th | (More Info)

Family Friendly events:

🎨 Saturday Family Concert: Lady A
Seattle
Saturday, Feb. 17th | (More Info)

🐠 Aquarium Adventures: Valentine's Day Special
Seattle Aquarium, Seattle
Wednesday, Feb. 14th | (More Info)

🚂 Model Train Show
Pacific Science Center, Seattle
Saturday, Feb. 18th - 20th | (More Info)

🎭 Family Day at the Museum of Pop Culture
Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle
Sunday, Feb. 17th | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Seattle skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

Seattle Named (1852) - Named after Chief Si'ahl of the local Duwamish and Suquamish tribes.

In 1852, the vibrant city of Seattle was officially christened, marking a pivotal moment in the region's history. This significant event honored Chief Si'ahl, a respected leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, whose wisdom and guidance had profoundly influenced the local communities. As settlers sought to establish a bustling urban center amidst the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, they paid homage to Chief Si'ahl's legacy by naming their burgeoning city after him, cementing a bond between the indigenous heritage and the burgeoning modernity.

Seattle's naming not only commemorated Chief Si'ahl but also symbolized a convergence of cultures and a recognition of indigenous peoples' contributions to the land's rich tapestry. It served as a reminder of the deep-rooted history and reverence for the natural environment that characterized the region long before the arrival of European settlers. The decision to name the city after Chief Si'ahl reflected a desire to honor and respect the indigenous inhabitants, acknowledging their enduring presence and the intrinsic value of their cultural heritage.

Over time, Seattle's namesake has become emblematic of the city's identity, embodying principles of community, diversity, and respect for indigenous peoples. As Seattle flourished into a vibrant metropolis, it continued to celebrate its indigenous roots, integrating them into the fabric of its cultural landscape. Chief Si'ahl's name stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, serving as a reminder of the city's humble beginnings and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and understanding between different cultures.

Famous People From Seattle

Princess Angeline (c. 1820–1896)

Early Life and Heritage (c. 1820–1852)

Born around 1820, Princess Angeline was the daughter of Chief Seattle, a revered leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Growing up amidst the lush landscapes of the Puget Sound region, she was immersed in the rich cultural traditions and teachings of her indigenous heritage. As the daughter of a prominent chief, Angeline played a significant role within her community, embodying resilience and strength from an early age.

Life in Early Seattle (1852–1870)

With the founding of Seattle in 1852, Angeline witnessed the rapid transformation of her ancestral lands into a burgeoning urban center. Despite the encroachment of settlers and the challenges of displacement, she chose to remain in her homeland, maintaining a steadfast connection to the land and her people. Angeline's presence in early Seattle history served as a poignant reminder of the indigenous presence that predated the city's establishment.

Resilience Amidst Adversity (1870–1896)

As Seattle continued to grow and develop, Angeline faced increasing pressures and hardships, including discrimination and marginalization. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, living a modest life on the outskirts of the city, where she maintained ties to her cultural heritage and traditions. Angeline's resilience and determination endeared her to the local community, earning her respect and admiration for her unwavering commitment to her roots.

Key Achievements:

• Maintained a strong connection to her indigenous heritage amidst the rapid urbanization of Seattle.

• Served as a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation in the face of adversity.

• Endured hardships with grace and dignity, earning the respect of her peers and future generations.

Princess Angeline, daughter of Chief Seattle, lived a life defined by resilience and unwavering dedication to her indigenous heritage. Despite the rapid transformation of her homeland into the bustling city of Seattle, she remained a steadfast presence, embodying the enduring spirit of her people. Through her resilience and commitment to preserving her cultural identity, Angeline left an indelible mark on the history of Seattle, serving as an inspiration for generations to come.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll