Viva La Cola!

Founded in January 2009, PubliCola is a blog about Seattle written by journalists who are dedicated to non-partisan, original daily reporting that prioritizes a balanced approach to news. Started by longtime local editor and award-winning reporter Josh Feit, PubliCola is the first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol.

PubliCola was off and running. In June 2009, PubliCola hired another award-winning journalist, super-sourced Seattle city hall reporter Erica C. Barnett.

People were afraid that blogging would change journalism. Instead, we believe journalism can change blogging. Twenty-first century journalism may look and feel different, and yes Erica isn't afraid to get cranky, but we're committed to making sure online news still delivers independent, reliable, even-keeled coverage. And most of all, we're committed to making sure the coverage sparks honest civic debate.

Bringing you cola for the people, PubliCola is named after Publius Valerius PubliCola, the alias for the authors of the Federalist Papers—the original bloggers.

The first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol and Seattle city hall, PubliCola has been called a “must-read” by the Seattle Post Intelligencer and a hot “New Media Mover and Shaker” by Seattle Magazine—which also cited our own Erica C. Barnett as the city's No. 1 news nerd.

A Brilliant Publicity Coup

crank

ECB here. Chris is busy studying Early Russian Literature, so I’m filling in again on PubliCalendar.

It’s 30 degrees in Seattle, Cliff Mass is predicting snow this weekend, and the PubliCola office thermostat is registering 50 degrees. Assuming you’re not one of the lucky ones who got to work from bed today, here are some suggestions to warm you up.

"Alcoholics serving alcoholics since 1929."

"Alcoholics serving alcoholics since 1929."

1. In a brilliant publicity coup (judging from all the press it’s been getting and reported lines out the door), the Five Point, one of Seattle’s oldest and most beloved dive bars, is rolling back many prices 80 years to celebrate its 80th anniversary. That means bacon, eggs and toast for 25 cents; hamburger and fries for 20 cents; the Blue Plate Special for 30 cents, and beers for 25 cents. Bonus! According to their Facebook page, “the heat’s working fine.”

Today, 8 am-10 pm, The Five Point, 415 Cedar Street.

2. The last Seattle Greendrinks of the year will also be the first-ever Greendrinks holiday bazaar, tonight at the Seattle Design Center in Georgetown. Greendrinks, founded in 2003, is a roving monthly casual social and networking event for Seattle’s environmental community and their supporters.

Tonight, 5:30-9 pm, Seattle Design Center, 5701 Sixth Avenue S.

3. Two neighborhood holiday events—one in Fremont, the other on Capitol Hill. The first, the Fremont Social and Sale at Theo Chocolate, features chocolates, fragrances, clothes, jewelry and accessories from Theo, Essenza, and Horseshoe. The second, the Capitol Hill Hoopla, will feature giveaways from tons of Hill businesses and drink specials at nearby bars. Participating businesses include  Cupcake Royale, the Baltic Room, Molly Moon’s, Poco Wine Room, Babeland, Po Dog, and more.

Fremont Social and Sale: Tonight, 6 -9 pm, Theo Chocolate, 3400 Phinney Ave. N

Capitol Hill Hoopla: Tonight, 6-9 pm, Pravda Studios, 1406 10th Ave. Suite 200

4. If consumerism isn’t your thing tonight, consider checking out Turning Points, a 4o-minute documentary produced by Real Change vendors, volunteers and staff. Featuring eight homeless and formerly homeless Real Change vendors, it premieres tonight at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ballard; DVDs will be available for sale from vendors for $6.

Tonight, 7-9 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 6512 32nd Ave. NW

5. All day today, Ivar’s will donate the proceeds from chowder sales around the city to the families of the four officers slain in Lakewood last week.

Today, all day, at Ivar’s restaurants around the city.


  • http://blog.seattlepi.com/eastsideinside/archives/187555.asp?from=blog_last3 Jason Sykes

    in the same vein as the Ivar’s item: all King and Pierce County Papa John’s are donating 100% of profits to the Lakewood 4′s families tonight and Wed (12/8 and 12/9)

  • http://blog.seattlepi.com/eastsideinside/archives/187555.asp?from=blog_last3 Jason Sykes

    in the same vein as the Ivar’s item: all King and Pierce County Papa John’s are donating 100% of profits to the Lakewood 4′s families tonight and Wed (12/8 and 12/9)

  • Sam M.

    Also tonight, the guys from Penny Arcade are hosting their annual Child’s Play charity auction dinner. As usual, the dinner has sold out in advance, and as usual, the gift-giving will be severe, since all proceeds from the evening go to buying toys and games for children’s hospitals. The charity has already cracked $1,000,000 in donations this year. In spite of the dinner sell-out, http://childsplay.org has much more info on how you can keep that number going upward–and donate specifically to your favorite local participator–if you’re interested.

  • Sam M.

    Also tonight, the guys from Penny Arcade are hosting their annual Child’s Play charity auction dinner. As usual, the dinner has sold out in advance, and as usual, the gift-giving will be severe, since all proceeds from the evening go to buying toys and games for children’s hospitals. The charity has already cracked $1,000,000 in donations this year. In spite of the dinner sell-out, http://childsplay.org has much more info on how you can keep that number going upward–and donate specifically to your favorite local participator–if you’re interested.

  • Sam M.
  • http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

    The 5 Point deal sounds neat but I’m not standing in line for a greasy spoon breakfast, not even if it’s only gonna cost me a buck total. The marginal utility of the savings minus the lost time just won’t be there.

    5 Point’s still a great place to go, however.

  • http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

    The 5 Point deal sounds neat but I’m not standing in line for a greasy spoon breakfast, not even if it’s only gonna cost me a buck total. The marginal utility of the savings minus the lost time just won’t be there.

    5 Point’s still a great place to go, however.

  • Sam M.